Class D^ L j^ S 

Book n^rV TY 



MEMOIR 



REV. JOSIAH PRATT, B.D. 

LATE VICAR OF ST. STEPHEN'S, COLEMAN STREET, 

AND FOR TWENTY-ONE YEARS SECRETARY OF 
THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 

BY HIS SONS, 
THE REV. JOSIAH PRATT, M.A. 

vicar of st. Stephen's, coleman street, 

AND 

THE REV. JOHN HENRY PRATT, M.A. 

FELLOW OF GONVILLE AND CAIUS COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, 
AND DOMESTIC CHAPLAIN TO THE LORD BISHOP OF CALCUTTA. 



LONDON: 

SEELEYS, 54 FLEET STREET, 
AND HANOVER STREET, HANOVER SQUARE. 

1849. 



LONDON : PRINTED BY WILLIAM WATTS, 
CHOWN COURT, TEMPLE BAB. 



TO THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD 

DANIEL, 

LORD BISHOP OF CALCUTTA AND METROPOLITAN OF INDIA 

THE FOLLOWING MEMOIR OF ONE 
WHO WAS UNITED WITH HIM IN THE BONDS OF WARM 
CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP FOR NEARLY FIFTY YEARS, 
AND WHO BEHELD, WITH GRATITUDE TO GOD, 
THE PUPIL OF HIS EARLY DAYS 
OCCUPYING SUCCESSIVE POSITIONS IN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST 

WITH FIDELITY TO HIS DIVINE MASTER 
AND EXTENSIVE BENEFIT TO THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD, 
IS, BY PERMISSION, DEDICATED, 
WITH EVERY SENTIMENT OF AFFECTIONATE RESPECT, 
BY HIS LORDSHIP'S MOST OBEDIENT 
AND HUMBLE SERVANTS, 

THE EDITORS. 



PREFACE. 



The Editors, in publishing the following Memoir of 
their beloved and revered father, beg to state some 
particulars explanatory of the circumstances under 
which it makes its appearance. 

They have been led by something more than filial 
partiality to believe, that a record of his chief prin- 
ciples and actions would be acceptable at the present 
time. His name had been honourably known to the 
Christian World for half a century, in connection with 
the great revival of the Missionary Spirit in our 
Church and country, which so happily distinguished 
the period in which he lived : and many, who behold 
the results, but are not so well acquainted with the 
circumstances which gave them birth, expressed a 
desire to see a Memoir of one, who took so active a part 
in originating some of the principal Religious Institu- 
tions of our day. 

Some difficulties, however, presented themselves. 
Mr. Pratt left no Diary behind him, and very few 
papers exhibiting his sentiments on particular topics, 
or illustrative of his Christian experience. One of 
the few memoranda which have been discovered 
expressly states : " I occasionally kept records of the 



vi 



PREFACE. 



workings of my mind, but I have destroyed them all." 
His private history, like that of most Clergymen, was 
not marked by any very extraordinary incidents ; and 
the coeval eye-witnesses of his public career had most 
of them entered the world of spirits before him : and 
though Advertisements have been issued, for informa- 
tion and correspondence, they have yielded but little. 

Meanwhile, the return of the younger son from 
India, in 1845-6, allowed him opportunity and leisure 
for examining the Archives of the Church Missionary 
Society. The voluminous correspondence contained 
in those Archives furnished a clue to Mr. Pratt's 
course in connection with the Missionary cause ; and 
at the same time afforded much insight into his views 
and feelings on many other interesting topics. From 
these beginnings the work has gradually grown ; and 
several judicious friends, including the Bishop of 
Calcutta, having seen the MS., strongly urged its 
publication. 

The foregoing statement will prepare the reader to 
expect, that Missionary details will form a promi- 
nent feature of the ensuing pages. This will be found 
to be the case ; and whatever interest the Volume 
may possess in other respects, the account here given 
of the rise of the Church Missionary Society, and of 
its first twenty-five years, will (it is hoped) be specially 
acceptable at a moment, when the Jubilee Trumpet 
of that Society is calling its members to reflect on 
the past and take courage for the future. May this 
Publication be an honoured instrument of deepening 
and perpetuating that increased feeling of interest in 



PREFACE. 



Missions, which this Jubilee Commemoration has so 
extensively aroused! 

One difficulty, however, attending this portion of 
their labours the Editors have felt strongly ; viz. lest 
they should seem to be claiming for one individual a 
distinction, which others were entitled to share with 
him. Many time-honoured names will occur to every 
reader, as having been associated with Mr. Pratt both 
in counsel and labour, on Committees and in journeys, 
in the pulpit and on the platform. Mr. Pratt, however, 
from his official position, took such a principal share 
in those early operations of the Society, as will justify 
(it is believed) the representations here made : con- 
temporary testimonies are (as far as possible) quoted : 
some of his coadjutors are named, and others are 
known through their respective biographers. The 
Editors, for various reasons, felt bound to submit this 
part of their work to the officers of the Society ; and 
their best thanks are due to the Rev. William Jowett 
for his kind assistance, especially in the Chapter 
on the Mediterranean Mission ; and to the Rev. Henry 
Venn, Honorary Clerical Secretary, for his valuable 
suggestions. 

Beside the Missionary subject, there is another 
point, in regard to which it is hoped that the present 
Volume may prove useful. It was to be expected, 
that the success vouchsafed to the efforts of Mr. Pratt 
and his coadjutors to extend the kingdom of Christ, 
and to promote scriptural and vital religion in the 
world, would awaken the jealousy and call forth the 
counter efforts of the Prince of Darkness. Mr. Pratt 



viii 



PREFACE. 



lived to see that jealousy in active operation, both at 
home and abroad : but nothing grieved and alarmed 
him so much as the rise of a Party in the bosom of 
our own Protestant Church, characterized by an undue 
exaltation of Tradition, Sacraments, and Externals, 
together with a depreciation and corruption of the 
vital principles of the Gospel. These things cast 
a gloom over his spirit for several of the later years 
of his life, and called forth his most earnest protests 
and solemn warnings ; — all of which carry the greater 
weight, from their being the fruit of well-digested 
knowledge and ripe experience. Some of them are 
recorded in the following pages ; and it is hoped 
that they will not be altogether lost on the present 
generation. 

Many other matters are introduced into the Volume, 
which (it is believed) will interest his parishioners 
and personal friends, and call up numerous valuable 
associations with by-gone days ; though, in the selec- 
tion of them, the profit of the general reader has not 
been lost sight of. 

With these observations, the Editors commend the 
Publication to the candour and consideration of those 
who may honour it with their perusal ; humbly im- 
ploring the Great Head of the Church to render the 
testimony and example of His servant, here but inade- 
quately exhibited, subservient to those high and holy 
interests which lay nearest his heart; and to the 
advancement of which his best powers, during a long 
life, were unceasingly devoted. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
1768—1802. 

Mr. Pratt's Birth — Character of his Father — Serious Illness 
in Childhood — His early Life, and first Religious Impres- 
sions — He enters the University of Oxford — Is Ordained 
— Removes to London — Becomes Curate to Mr. Cecil — 
The " Eclectic Society" — Commencement of the " Christian 
Observer" - - p. 1 

CHAPTER II. 
1799—1804. 

Origin and Commencement of the Church Missionary Society 
— Mr. Pratt succeeds the Rev. Thomas Scott as Secretary 
— A Mission to West Africa contemplated, and the Services 
of some Berlin Students engaged — Correspondence with the 
Principal of the Missionary Institution at Berlin — Dismissal 
of two Missionaries to their Stations — Institution of the 
British and Foreign Bible Society — Mr. Pratt appointed 
Secretary — He effects a Reorganization of the Committee 
— Resigns the Office of Secretary, and is succeeded by the 
Rev. John Owen — Mr. Pratt a firm Friend and Advocate 
of the Society to the end of his Life - - - 12 

CHAPTER III. 
1804—1812. 

The Susoo Country selected for the Commencement of Mis- 
sionary Enterprise — Lutheran Labourers employed — The 
Two first Missionaries arrive — Three more embark — 
Various Trials and Difficulties — Misconduct of one of the 
Missionaries — Letters from Mr. Pratt on this painful occa- 
sion — Two Settlements commenced — Death of one of the 
Missionaries — A Third Settlement established — Schools 
formed — Deaths of Missionaries 32 



X 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER IV. 
1804—1812. 

Change of Mr. Pratt's Clerical Occupations — His Appoint- 
ment to Sir George Wheler's Chapel — Notices of Sir T. F. 
Buxton and Mr. Hoare — Mr. Pratt's Intercourse with 
Henry Martyn — His Publication of the Works of Bishops 
Hall and Hopkins — His Unsuccessful Attempt to publish 
a Polyglott Bible — Letter of Henry Martyn — Mr. Cecil's 
Works — Mr. Pratt's Thoughts in Retirement - - - 48 

CHAPTER V. 
1813—1816. 

Renewal of the East-India Company's Charter — Efforts to 
gain free access for Missionaries to India, and to esta- 
blish an Episcopate — Exertions of Dr. Buchanan and Mr. 
Pratt — Commencement of " The Missionary Register" — 
The Subject of the East-India Charter brought before Par- 
liament, and the Efforts of the Friends of Missions crowned 
with Success — The Missionary Cause receives a new Im- 
pulse — Associations are organized — Mr. Pratt travels for 
the Society — He opens friendly communication with other 
Missionary Societies - - - - - - - 69 

CHAPTER VI. 
1813—1817. 

Commencement of the India Mission — Abdool Messeeh — 
Two English and Two Lutheran Clergymen are sent out by 
the Society — Correspondence of Mr. Pratt with Mr. Simeon 
— Appointment of the first Bishop of Calcutta — Questions 
with regard to the Extent of the Bishop's Authority — He 
considers himself unauthorized to ordain Native Converts 
or to license Missionaries — Abdool Messeeh and Mr. 
Bowley receive Lutheran Ordination — Mr. Corrie's Visit 
to England — Seven more English Clergymen are sent out 
— Letters of Mr. Pratt to the Missionaries - - - 89 



CONTENTS. 



xi 



CHAPTER VII. 
1813—1817. 

Difficulties of the West- Africa Mission — Directions to enter 
on a systematic Course of Preaching — The Slave-Trade — 
Return of the Missionary who had been removed from the 
Society in Africa — Letters of Mr. Pratt under various 
painful circumstances — The Slave-Trade is at length over- 
ruled to be an indirect Instrument of Success — Mr. Bicker- 
steth's Visit to Africa — More Deaths — Mr. Johnson sent 
out with three other Schoolmasters — Abandonment of 
Bashia and CanofFee — Proposal for a Church Missionary 
Ship - - - - 106 

CHAPTER VIII. 
1809—1817. 

The Rev. Samuel Marsden visits England — Suggests a Mis- 
sion to New Zealand — Returns with some Settlers — Dua- 
terra — A Schoolmaster and his Wife sent out — All Efforts 
for a long time unavailing — At length Mr. Marsden visits 
New Zealand, and the first Church Missionary Settlement 
is planted there — Death of Duaterra — Mowhee visits Eng- 
land—Death of Mowhee 130 



CHAPTER IX. 
1815—1818. 

A large number of Candidates offer themselves for Missionary 
Work — Mr. Pratt's matured Views on the Qualifications 
of a Missionary — The Rev. Thomas Scott relinquishes the 
Education of Candidates — The Basle Institution — Corre- 
spondence with the Rev. Theophilus Blumhardt — The In- 
stitution at Islington founded 139 

CHAPTER X. 
1817—1821. 

The Church Missionary Society is attacked by the Arch- 
deacon of Bath — Defence by the Rev. Daniel Wilson — 



xii 



CONTENTS. 



Great Advantages result — A King's Letter in behalf of the 
Society for Propagating the Gospel — Mr. Pratt publishes 
a Work intituled " Propaganda" — The New Impulse in 
behalf of Missions is communicated to America — Corre- 
spondence between Bishops Griswold and White and Mr. 
Pratt — The American Episcopal Church establishes a 
Missionary Society — Mr. Pratt communicates on the sub- 
ject of Missions with other Christian Bodies in the United 
States - - - - - 150 

CHAPTER XI. 
1811— 1S30. 

Origin of the Mediterranean Mission — Mr. Mair and Dr. 
Naudi — Proposal to send Literary Representatives — The 
Rev. William J owett devotes himself to the work — Cor- 
responds with Dr. Buchanan — Receives his Final Instruc- 
tions from Mr. Pratt — Proceeds to Malta — Translation of 
the Holy Scriptures into a Native Language of Abyssinia 
— The Rev. James Connor goes out as a Second Literary 
Representative — Mr. Jowett returns home — Publishes 
"Christian Researches in the Mediterranean" — Returns 
again to Malta — Publishes the Gospel of St. John in Mal- 
tese — Returns to Malta for the third and last time — Re- 
marks on the Mediterranean Mission - - - - 169 

CHAPTER XII. 
1818—1824. 

Progress of the West- Africa Mission — Dreadful Sickness and 
Mortality among the Missionaries — Success at length 
vouchsafed — Mr. Johnson's Labours abundantly blessed — 
More Missionaries sent out to India — The Syrian Church 
—Missionaries sent with a view to its Revival — Cheering 
Prospects in the South of India — Agra — Chunar — Benares 
— Burdwan — Krishnaghur — Female Education — Death of 
Bishop Middleton, and Appointment of Bishop Heber — 
Difficulties in the New-Zealand Mission — Correspondence 
with Missionaries — Mr. Pratt resigns the Secretaryship - 196 



CONTENTS. 



xiii 



CHAPTER XIII. 
1814—1824. 

Mr. Pratt's Ministry during this period — Withdraws from 
the Eclectic Society — Accidental Death of an Aged Mem- 
ber of his Congregations — The Honest Waterman — Visit of 
Bishop Chase to England — Assistance afforded to him by 
Mr. Pratt in his Appeal to the British Public - - - 228 



CHAPTER XIV. 

1802—1823. 

Mr. Pratt in his Domestic Relationships, and his Private and 
Social Habits — Letters to his Daughters, and to his eldest 
Son at Cambridge -------- 241 

CHAPTER XV. 
1823—1831. 

Mr. Pratt's Election to the Vicarage of St. Stephen's, Cole- 
man Street — His Letter to the Rev. Daniel Wilson — His 
Entrance on Pastoral Labours — Marriage of his eldest 
Daughter — Severe Attack of Inflammation in his Eye — 
Resignation of his Lectureship at St. Mary Woolnoth's — 
Visit to Ramsgate — Attempt to improve a Melancholy 
Event which happened at that place - 261 

CHAPTER XVI. 

1829—1834. 

The State of Public Affairs — Dissensions in the British and 
Foreign Bible Society — Mr. Pratt's Views on the matter 
in debate— The Cholera— The Fast Day— The Reform Bill 
— Reforms in the Church — The Christian-Influence Society 
— The Dissenters — Rise of Tractarianism — The Rev. 
Daniel Wilson appointed Bishop of Calcutta — City-of- 
London School— Letters of Advice and of Sympathy with 
afflicted Friends - - - 279 



xiv 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
1835, 1836. 

Mr. Pratt declines preaching the Anniversary Church Mis- 
sionary Sermon — His Sermon at the Consecration of Bishop 
Corrie — Importance of preserving the Purity of Truth — 
Peculiarities of Missions connected with an Episcopal 
Church — Need of a Revision of Ecclesiastical Relations — 
Importance of a Native Ministry — Schools — Promising 
Sphere of Labour in the Eastern Empire — Death of Bishop 
Corrie, and of Mr. Simeon — Advice to his Son at College — 
Importance of Right Motives for entering the Ministry and 
Preparation for its Sacred Duties — Bishop Chase's second 
Visit to England — Church Pastoral-Aid Society founded - 311 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

1838— 1844. 

" The Christian Year" — Errors of the Tractarian School — 
The " Christian Observer" exposes them — Mr. Pratt 
preaches on the subject at St. Paul's — Ministerial Changes, 
with the Results — Alleviating and Encouraging Circum- 
stances — Tractarianism more developed, and Works written 
in answer to it — Krishnaghur — The Evangelical Alliance 
— Secession from the Scotch Church — The Church Missio- 
nary Society continues stedfast to its Principles — The Arch- 
bishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London join the 
Society - - - 337 

CHAPTER XIX. 

1839— 1S44. 

Mr. Pratt's Pastoral Anxieties — He relinquishes the " Mis- 
sionary Register" — His Record of Pastoral Visits — Letters 
of Admonition and Condolence — Mr. Pratt in his Family — 
Departure of his second Son to India and of his fourth 
Daughter to New Zealand — His Family visited by Sick- 
ness and Bereavement — Letter of Consolation to his eldest 
Daughter — His advancing Age — Deaths of his Sisters — 
Decline of his own Health and Strength - 369 



CONTENTS. xv 

CHAPTER XX. 
1844. 

Mr. Pratt's last Illness and Death ----- 410 

CHAPTER XXL 
Testimonies, and Views of Mr. Pratt's Character - - 446 



APPENDIX I. 
On the Origination of the Church Missionary Society - - 460 

APPENDIX II. 
Mr. Pratt's Dedicatory Prayer, at laying the Foundation 
Stone of the Institution at Islington - 473 

APPENDIX III. 

Letters to Mr. Pratt from the American Bishops Griswold 
and White - - - - 477 

APPENDIX IV. 
Obituary of Mrs. Charlotte Pratt, Mr. Pratt's Sister - - 481 

APPENDIX V. 



View of Mr. Pratt's Character as a Preacher of the Word - 487 



ERRATA. 

At page 139, in the Contents of Chapter IX., for " J. Blumhardt" read 
" T. Blumhardt." 

At page 369, in the Contents of Chapter XIX., for "third daughter" read 
" fourth daughter." 

At page 402, for « 1832 " read " 1831." 



MEMOIR, 



CHAPTER I. 

1768—1802. 

CHARACTER OF MR. PRATT's FATHER — SERIOUS ILLNESS IN CHILDHOOD — 
EARLY LIFE, AND FIRST RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS — ENTERS THE UNIVER- 
SITY OF OXFORD — IS ORDAINED — REMOVES TO LONDON — IS CURATE TO 
MR. CECIL — THE ECLECTIC SOCIETY — THE " CHRISTIAN OBSERVER/' 

Josiah Pratt, the subject of the ensuing Memoir, 
was born at Birmingham, Dec. 21st, 1768. He was 
one of a numerous family, and was privileged in 
having exemplary parents, who diligently brought up 
their children in the "nurture and admonition of 
the Lord." 

His Father was a person of simple and most devoted 
piety, and by his uniform walk with God, and his 
well-regulated family habits, won and retained to the 
end the love and veneration of his children. So 
upright and holy was the demeanour of this good 
man, that it drew from the lips of the late Rev. 
Richard Cecil — no mean judge of true excellence — 
the distinguished commendation, that he knew no 
person who so frequently called to his mind the cha- 

B 



2 



MR. PRATT'S FATHER. 



[Chap. I. 



racter of Jesus Christ. He was a member of the 
Church of England, the Church of his fathers, and 
attended the ministry of the Rev. John Riland at 
St. Mary's Chapel, and subsequently that of his suc- 
cessor, the Rev. Edward Burn. The Chapel was 
connected with a large and crowded population. 
Mr. Riland, on his removal from Huddersfield to this 
new charge, obtained the aid of several pious laymen 
to assist him in his pastoral labours. They each 
undertook to visit a few families, over whom they 
exercised a Christian influence and care, under the 
direction of their Minister. The father of the subject 
of this Memoir was one of the most valued of these 
fellow-^helpers in the Lord* 

* A Sermon was preached by Mr. Burn at St. Mary's, Birmingham, 
on the 12th of March, 1707, upon the occasion of the death of this ex- 
cellent Christian. The following extracts will give a further view of 
his character : — 

" Few men had a larger share of those trials which arise from constitu- 
tional infirmity. Seldom through the course of a life nearly lengthened 
out to the age of man, did he enjoy health without some considerable alloy 
of pain and languor. But it was in this way — and blessed be God he well 
knew it ! — his Heavenly Father was gradually and most graciously pre- 
paring him for Himself. On the Thursday morning before his death he 
said to two of his children, who were expressing their affectionate solici- 
tude about his health, 6 Oh ! how earnestly have I prayed this night that 
my release might be signed ! I have trod many a weary step, but I am 
drawing near my journey's end, and that's a comfort to a traveller.' On 
the morning of his dissolution, and as he approached nearer to his rest, 
his prospects became still brighter, and he spake of his decease in terms 
of uncommon animation and triumph. Amongst other excellent things 
he said, c Now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine 
eyes have seen thy salvation. I never thought that my death-bed would 
be so happy. Oh ! I cannot tell half what I feel ! Now is my salvation 
nearer than when I first believed : yes, it is ! it is ! Oh ! what cause for 
thankfulness have I and you all ! but God forbid that I should have any 

spiritual 



1769— 1802.] 



ILLNESS IN CHILDHOOD. 



3 



Josiah, the second surviving son, received his 
fathers name at his baptism. While yet an infant, he 
was attacked with a severe illness, in which his life 
was despaired of. His father, in the bitterness of his 
sorrow, walked about the room in the night with the 
child in his arms to soothe him ; and as he com- 
mended his soul to God, the last verse of the 102d 
Psalm was powerfully impressed upon his mind — 
" The children of thy servants shall continue, and their 
seed shall be established before thee." His mind rested 
upon this promise. He received comfort from the 
hope that it might yet please God to restore his child, 
and it was fulfilled, not only in that, but in a far higher 

spiritual pride, for I am a poor sinner saved freely by the grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ.' * * * * * * 

" To one of his daughters, who stood weeping at his bed, and inquiring- 
how he was, he replied earnestly, 4 Very well : my poor body is weak, but 
what a happy creature shall I be through the countless ages of eternity !' 

" There are some leading ideas, in the character of our departed friend, 
that must not be omitted. In his example, his light was rather clear and 
steady than overwhelming and marvellous. His zeal was equally removed 
from the indifference of the formalist and the fierceness of the bigot. His 
Christian affection was tempered by a holy and jealous watchfulness over 
the walk of his brethren. His attainments in grace were rather the effect 
of growth, than the hasty and immature productions of impulse. His 
fruits were in their season ; and the general course of his life was directed 
more by the constant presence and authority of truth upon the mind, than 
by the floating uncertainties of various opinion, or the vehement warmth 
of particular occasions : it was, in a word, the 4 path of the just which 
shineth more and more to the perfect day.' * * * * * "In the 
case of our departed friend every thing is clear : in his principles, in his 
conversation, and in his end, there remains nothing perplexed, nothing to 
be made out, nor any thing to be proved. It is a plain unequivocal in- 
stance of the power of Christianity, whether you regard that as a principle 
of knowledge, a rule of action, or a strong consolation in death." 

b2 



4 



ENTERS UPON BUSINESS. 



[Chap. L 



sense, by Him " who is able to do exceeding abun- 
dantly above all that we can ask or think." 

Until the age of twelve years, Josiah was educated 
with his two younger brothers, Isaac and Henry, at 
Barr School, a large establishment about six miles 
from Birmingham. His father then introduced him 
into his own business as a manufacturer ; in which, 
from his natural habits of industry and accuracy, he 
might be expected to excel, and family tradition re- 
ports that the expectation was fully realised. But at 
a very early period he had imbibed a strong taste for 
books, and his mind became filled with an ardent 
desire for the acquisition of general knowledge. For 
several years, however, he kept this very much to 
himself, procuring and laying in books secretly, and 
indulging his literary propensity only in leisure hours, 
and in the retirement of his chamber. He imagined 
that his parents might think it unnecessary for him to 
spend so much time and money in pursuits which 
would not turn to account in that line of life for which 
he was intended. After remaining several years with 
his father, he was placed in another manufactory, for 
the purpose of acquiring a more extensive knowledge 
of commercial affairs. 

There is little on record to shew what were the 
operations of divine grace in his heart during his early 
youth. That little, however, seems to indicate that it 
was in the House of God that his mind was most sus- 
ceptible of religious impressions. He used, in later 
years, to refer, with lively recollection, to the solemn 
effect produced one day upon his young mind, in St. 



1769—1802,] RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS. 



5 



Mary's Church, by the earnest manner in which the 
Service, and especially the Venite emltemus, was read 
by the Rev. Charles Simeon, who had recently en- 
tered the ministry, and was on that occasion officia- 
ting for Mr. Burn. And it appears that on another 
occasion, when yet a boy, his attention was arrested 
by the petition in the Liturgy, " Pitifully behold the 
sorrows of our hearts." He was wondering what sor- 
rows he had to speak of, when the next petition fur- 
nished an answer, which the Holy Spirit taught him 
to apply, " Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people." 
He was not brought, however, to any remarkable or 
abiding concern for his soul till his seventeenth year. 
The circumstance which led to this change is memo- 
rable. The late Rev. Thomas Robinson, of Leicester, 
ministered in the pulpit one Sunday for Mr. Riland. 
Any one who had ever heard Mr. Robinson might 
easily conceive the solemnity and pathos with which 
he would deliver the words "Let us pray," used before 
sermon. On this occasion they struck upon the heart 
and conscience of the youthful subject of this Memoir 
with such power, and occupied his mind so entirely, 
that he had no recollection of any thing else connected 
with the occasion, not even the subject of the sermon. 
He thought what a solemn act prayer was ! He doubted 
whether he had ever prayed in his life. His mind was 
filled with awe and contrition for his past neglect. 
These, and many other considerations, took such pos- 
session of him, that his religious views and feelings 
might be said to have assumed a definite character 
from that period, and from this circumstance. He 



6 



DESIRE TO ENTER THE MINISTRY. 



[Chap. I. 



joined the Societies which Mr. Riland had recom- 
mended to his flock for spiritual edification ; in his 
connection with these, his religious character became 
further developed ; and the fund of information and 
knowledge which he had already laid in by private 
reading and study, found scope for profitable applica- 
tion. 

He speedily became anxious to be a minister of 
Christ ; a desire which was probably much promoted 
by the sympathies, if not the suggestions, of some of 
his companions, who had for some time judged that 
his mind was under preparation for higher duties. 
His chief fear as to the accomplishment of such a wish 
arose from what he considered to be his father's incli- 
nation and future plans. His eldest brother, Frede- 
rick, had left England to settle in Baltimore, and their 
father was naturally looking forward to having his 
next son — one of so much promise — associated with 
him in his own engagements. Under these apprehen- 
sions, he made it a subject of earnest prayer to God, 
that if it were consistent with His holy will that he 
should enter " the sacred ministry of His Church," He 
would incline the heart of his father to favour the pro- 
posal. He then, in a respectful way, and not without 
some fear and trembling, disclosed his mind to his 
beloved parent. But so far was he from discouraging 
him, that he entered at once most kindly into his 
views, and rejoiced in thus giving up a son to the 
more immediate service of God. The friend to whom 
he was in some measure bound in business, with the 
greatest kindness released him, expressing a sincere 



1769—1802.] MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS. 



7 



regard for him, and satisfaction in his services. The 
time which had been thus occupied was by no means 
thrown away. He was then acquiring those habits of 
business, and that practical turn of mind, which so 
eminently qualified him for many duties to which he 
was afterwards called. 

It was a distinguishing feature in the character of 
several of the eminent men of his day, and one which 
was of peculiar advantage to those who were designed, 
in the providence of God, to take the lead in the reli- 
gious movement at the close of the last century, that 
Christian zeal and spiritual knowledge were combined 
in the same persons with active habits and a practical 
knowledge of secular concerns. Indeed, the fact that 
men, whose first line of life and education appeared 
to be preparing them for other occupations, should be 
called entirely to change their course, and devote 
themselves to the ministry, while it distinctly shews 
us that God was designing them for important ser- 
vices, seems also to imply that there was some pecu- 
liar fitness for the discharge of these duties in their 
character and cast of mind. An earnest zeal for 
Christ's glory and enlarged views of His blessed Go- 
spel, together with an extensive knowledge of the 
world and its affairs, were eminently characteristic of 
the subject of this Memoir. 

As soon as the above determination was arrived at, 
Mr. Pratt's father engaged a tutor to prepare him for 
college ; and, with his wonted zeal and energy, he 
was often at his tutor's door on cold winter mornings 
before he was out of bed, losing no time to make up 



s 



COMES TO LONDON. 



[Chat. I. 



the deficiencies of his classical education. He entered 
at St. Edmund's Hall, Oxford, and was matriculated 
June 22, 1789. At the University he had the advan- 
tage of an excellent tutor in the Rev. Isaac Crouch, after- 
wards Vicar of Narborough, near Leicester, to whom 
he was most sincerely attached, and with whom, to the 
close of his life, he enjoyed an intimate friendship. 

That he maintained, under his new circumstances, 
his former character for regular and orderly habits, 
may be shewn upon the principle of the adage, that 
The exception proves the rule. Upon one, and only one, 
occasion he omitted to attend the Chapel Prayers. 
His absence was so marked an event, that when the 
Service was over, the tutor and several of his friends 
among the Undergraduates adjourned in a body to 
his rooms to learn the reason of his absence, fully 
expecting, as they expressed themselves, to find him 
" dead or dying." 

Having completed his College education, he was 
ordained June 3, 1792, by the Bishop of Hereford, to 
the Curacy of Dowles near Bewdley, a small living 
then held by the Rev. William Jesse, of West Brom- 
wich ; and he remained there till after he had received 
Priests' Orders. Having then, in the autumn of 1795, 
a desire to change his sphere of labour, he wrote to 
the Rev. Richard Cecil in London, to whom he was 
known by Mr. C.'s visits at Birmingham, inquiring if he 
knew of any Curacy in or near London that would suit 
him. Mr. Cecil answered him in the following laconic 
and quaint style: " I want a Curate myself; put a shirt 
in your pocket, and come and see whether my Curacy 



1769—1802.] 



MR. CECIL. 



9 



will suit you." Mr. Pratt immediately accepted the 
invitation, and was more than willing to undertake the 
post under a man whose judgment he valued so highly. 
His inexperience would naturally place him at a dis- 
advantage with Mr. Cecil's refined and somewhat fas- 
tidious congregation at St. Johns, — a disadvantage 
which he often painfully felt. But Mr. Cecil's prompt 
discernment of character enabled him to encourage his 
young friend : " Never mind, Pratt ; make yourself 
useful, and a time will come when you will be ivanted." 

Though very dissimilar from Mr. Cecil in his own 
character, he was fully able to estimate and profit by 
familiar intercourse with a man in whom genius, ori- 
ginality, and practical wisdom, were so remarkably 
combined. Some of the treasures which he thus ac- 
quired were afterwards committed to the press under 
the title of 66 Cecil's Remains." 

The two classes of his preparation for his future 
work, — the habits of business to which reference has 
already been made, and his intercourse with a cha- 
racter like Mr. Cecil at this early and susceptible 
period of his life, — were of the greatest possible mo- 
ment. From the first, he acquired order, application, 
perseverance, and the talent of arrangement; the 
second gave him an insight into the dangers and 
errors prevalent in the religious circles of London at 
the time. Mr. Cecil's acute observations, penetrating 
and discriminating judgment, wisdom, boldness, and 
courage to stand alone, assisted to form the sound 
and sober Minister. 

On the 7th of September, 1797, he married Elizabeth, 



10 



THE ECLECTIC SOCIETY. 



[Chap. I. 



eldest daughter of Mr. John Jowett, of Newington, 
Surrey ; and settled at No. 22 Doughty Street, Meck- 
lenburgh Square, in the immediate neighbourhood of 
St. Johns Chapel. He here received several pupils 
into his house, some of whom were designed for the 
Ministry. Among these was the present Bishop of 
Calcutta, who ever continued to be warmly attached 
to his early tutor, and paid an affectionate tribute to 
his memory in a charge delivered to the Clergy of 
Calcutta shortly after receiving the intelligence of his 
death. 

Mr. Pratt's removal to London introduced him to 
the acquaintance of many good and eminent men. In 
the year 1797, he became a member of the Eclectic 
Society, formed by a few of the London Clergy for 
religious intercourse and improvement, and whose 
leading object was the investigation of religious truth. 
Its first meeting was held Jan. 16, 1783, at the Castle- 
and-Falcon, Aldersgate Street, and consisted of the Rev. 
John Newton, Rev. Henry Foster, Rev. Richard Cecil, 
and Eli Bates, Esq. It afterwards consisted of twelve 
or fourteen members resident in London, and as many 
country members, or occasional visitors. Its meetings 
were afterwards held once a fortnight at the Vestry- 
Room of St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, and it com- 
prehended, according to its original design, two or 
three Laymen and Non-Conformist Ministers. 

His Christian and brotherly intercourse with the 
members of this body was highly conducive to the 
improvement and development of his own mind. 
Here he rejoiced in the society of some of the worthies 



1769—1802,] THE CHRISTIAN OBSERVER. 



11 



of the generation before him, imbibed their spirit, and 
profited by their experience. He continued to be a 
member for eighteen years ; and became one of the 
most efficient of the body. We find him as early as 
Feb. 4, 1799, although the youngest member upon the 
books, proposing for the consideration of the Society 
the following question : " How far may a Periodical 
Publication be made subservient to the interest of 
Religion ?" 

The character of the projected publication, upon 
which Mr. Pratt invited discussion, may be gathered 
from some brief notes of his remarks, which were taken 
by the Rev. John Venn at the time, and have been 
preserved to this day. The objects which he proposed 
were " to correct the false sentiments of the religious 
world, and to explain the principles of the Church." 
This part of the design was to be effected by papers 
written under the designation of " Religious Commu- 
nications." There were to be in addition, Articles, 
Miscellaneous and Literary ; Reviews ; a Review of 
Reviews ; and " historical events of the month, with a 
particular reference to Providence." 

The original plan of the Christian Observer, as 
laid out in the Prospectus published in the first Num- 
ber, is the exact counterpart of this sketch. It is 
therefore an inference which may be drawn without 
much difficulty, that Mr. Pratt was the projector, as 
he was the first Editor, of this Publication, which has 
so long stood its ground, and, amidst the abounding 
periodical literature of the present day, still exercises 
such a wide and beneficial influence in the Church. 



CHAPTER II. 

1799-1804. 

ORIGIN AND COMMENCEMENT OF THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY — MR. 
PRATT SUCCEEDS THE REV. THOMAS SCOTT AS SECRETARY — A MISSION 
TO WEST AFRICA CONTEMPLATED, AND THE SERVICES OF SOME BERLIN 
STUDENTS ENGAGED — CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE PRINCIPAL OF THE 
MISSIONARY INSTITUTION AT BERLIN — DISMISSAL OF TWO MISSIONARIES 

THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY IS INSTITUTED — MR. PRATT 

APPOINTED SECRETARY— EFFECTS A REORGANIZATION OF THE COM- 

1 MITTEE RESIGNS THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY, AND IS SUCCEEDED BY 

THE REV. JOHN OWEN — MR. PRATT A FIRM FRIEND AND ADVOCATE OF 
THE SOCIETY TO THE END OF HIS LIFE. 

But by far the most important result of the delibera- 
tions of the members of the Eclectic Society, was the 
formation of a great design, in the development of 
which Mr. Pratt soon became the chief agent. It will 
therefore be desirable in this place to enter briefly, 
yet somewhat circumstantially, into the details of its 
origin and early history. 

The question of forming a Society expressly for 
Missionary objects in connection with the Church of 
England had for some time been under deliberation ; 
and the subject was brought before the Eclectic 
Society on the 8th of Feb. 1796, by the Rev. Charles 
Simeon. The majority of the members, though fa- 
vourably disposed, were not then prepared to take any 
immediate steps in the matter. On the 18th of Feb. 
1799, notice was given that the subject would be again 
brought forward ; and on the 18th of March the Rev. John 
Venn, Rector of Clapham, opened the discussion at some 
length, and proposed several Resolutions for adoption. 



1799.] 



MEETING AT THE CASTLE- AND-FALCON. 



13 



Some objected to them. The following record has 
been preserved, among Mr. Venn's Eclectic notes, of 
Mr. Pratt's remarks upon the occasion : — 

6< The Rev. Josiah Pratt advocated the adoption of the Reso- 
lutions [drawn up and presented by Mr. Venn], as ( breathing a 
quiet, humble, dependent spirit.' ( Let us regard ourselves as 
forming the Society. Let us consider to whom it would be 
desirable to communicate our plans. Let us not proceed to 
choose a Committee till we have a larger Meeting. Let some 
little Address be drawn up, stating our designs, and how we 
wish to act in following the leading of Providence. It should 
be known that there is such a design. — Fix upon persons to 
write to. — Must be kept in evangelical hands." 

The result of this Meeting was a general agree- 
ment that a Society should be forthwith formed, and 
a Prospectus prepared, and the entire plan laid before 
the chief authorities of the Church. Accordingly, on 
the 12th of April, 1799, a Meeting was held at the 
Castle-and-Falcon Inn, Aldersgate Street, and the 
Society was instituted. Mr. Venn was in the Chair ; 
and sixteen Clergymen — nine of them members 
of the Eclectic — and nine Laymen, composed the 
Meeting.* The following letter was then forwarded to 



* As we ought ever to cherish the 

their names are here subjoined : — 
Rev. John Venn, in the Chair. 

Rev. Willi am J ar vis Abdy. (Rec- 
tor of St. John's, Horsleydown.) 

Rev. Edward Cuthbebt. (Minis- 
ter of Long- Acre Chapel.) 

Rev. John Davies. (Afterwards 
of Coventry.) 



memory of these excellent persons, 

(Rector of Clapham, Surrey.) 
Rev. Henry Foster. (Lecturer 

of Christ Church, Spitalfields.) 
Rev. Thomas Fry. (Fellow of 

Lincoln College, Oxford.) 
Rev. William Goode. (Rector of 

St. Ann's, Blackfriars.) 

Rev. 



14 



THE ARCHBISHOP ADDRESSED. 



[Chap. II. 



His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, a similar 
one to the Bishop of London, as Diocesan, and another 
to the Bishop of Durham, at that time Chairman of 
the Committee for Missions in the Society for Promo- 
ting Christian Knowledge : — 



Rev. William Alphonsus Gunn. 

(Curate of St. Mary, Woolnoth.) 
Rev. I. W. Middleton. (Rother- 

hithe.) 

Rev. John Newton. (Rector of 
St. Mary, Woolnoth.) 

Rev. I. W. Peers, LL.D. (Rec- 
tor of Merton, Surrey.) 

Rev. Richard Postlethwaite. 
(Rector of St. Roche, Cornwall.) 

Rev. Josiah Pratt. (Assistant 
Minister of St. John's Chapel, 
Bedford Row.) 

Rev. Thomas Scott. (The Com- 
mentator.) 

Rev. Thomas Sheppard. (After- 
noon Lecturer of St. Mary's, 
Stoke Newington.) 



Rev. Charles William Terrot. 
(Haddington, N.B.) 

Mr. John Bacon. (The Sculptor.) 

Mr. John Brasier. (Camberwell.) 

Mr. William Cardale. (Solici- 
tor, of Bedford Row.) 

Mr. Nathan Downer. (Merchant 
in Bishopsgate Street.) 

Mr. Charles Elliott. (Ciapham 
and Brighton.) 

Mr. John Jowett. (Newington 
Butts.) , 

Mr. Ambrose Martin. (Banker, 
of Finch Lane.) 

Mr. John Pearson. (Surgeon, 
Golden Square.) 

Mr. Edward Venn. (Camber- 
well.) 



The Committee subsequently elected the following Country Members : — 



Thomas Babington, Esq., Rothely 

Temple, Leicestershire. 
Rev. Edward Burn, Birmingham. 
Rev. Thomas T. Biddulph, Bristol. 
Rev. L. Coulthurst, D.D., Vicar 

of Halifax. 
Rev. Isaac Crouch, Oxford. 
Rev. William Day, Bengeworth, 

Worcestershire. 
Rev. Thomas Dikes, Hull. 
Rev. Edward Edwards, Lynn. 
Rev. John Fawcett, Carlisle. 
Rev. Thomas Fry, Oxford. 



Rev. Robert Hawker, D.D., Ply- 
mouth. 

William Hey, Esq., Leeds. 
Rev. Melville Horne, Maccles- 
field. 

Rev. Thomas Jones, Creaton, 
Northamptonshire. 

Rev. Robert Jarratt, Welling- 
ton, Somerset. 

Rev. John Mayor, Shrewsbury. 

Rev. Matthew Powley, Dews- 
bury. 

Rev. Thomas Robinson, Leicester. 

Rev. 



1800.] 



THE ARCHBISHOP ADDRESSED. 



15 



To His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

" London, July 1, 1799. 

" MAY IT PLEASE YOUR GRACE 

" The Committee of a Society now forming for Missions to 
Africa and the East have sent a deputation of their members * 
to present, in the most respectful manner, to Your Grace, as 
Metropolitan, a copy of the Rules which they have framed, to- 
gether with the Account of the nature of their Institution, which 
is designed for publication, They humbly trust that Your 
Grace will be pleased favourably to regard this attempt to ex- 
tend the benefits of Christianity, an attempt peculiarly neces- 
sary at a period in which the most zealous and systematic 
efforts have been made to eradicate the Christian faith. 

" With the utmost submission and reverence they beg leave 
to subscribe themselves 

" Your Grace's most obedient humble servants. 

" Signed, on behalf of the Committee, 

"John Venn, Chairman." 



Rev. William Richardson, York. 
Rev. Charles Simeon, Cambridge. 
Rev. Robert Storry, Colchester. 
Rev. James Stillingeleet, Ho- 
tham, Yorkshire. 



Rev. Christopher Stephenson, 
Olney. 

Rev. W. Terrot, Haddington, N.B. 
Rev. James Vaughan, Bristol. 
Rev. George West, Stoke, Surrey . 



The Rev. J ohn Fawcett, one of the very few survivors of the noble 
band above enumerated, attended an early Meeting of the Committee 
at the identical Castle- and- Falcon, Nov. 1st of this — the Society's Ju- 
bilee year ; and the Jubilee Sermon preached on the same day at St. Ann's, 
Blackfriars, by His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury ; and next morn- 
ing the Jubilee Meeting of the Society at Exeter Hall, when he closed 
the interesting proceedings of the day by pronouncing the Apostolic 
Benediction on the assembly, consisting of 3000 persons. 



* These were, William Wilberforce, Esq., Charles Grant, Esq., and 
Rev. John Venn. 



16 



THE ARCHBISHOP'S REPLY. 



[Chap. II. 



The Archbishop left town about this time, and the 
reply to this letter was necessarily delayed. But on 
the 28th of August, 1799, Mr. Venn writes to the Rev. 
Thomas Scott, Secretary, as follows : — 

" As soon as the Archbishop returned, Mr. Wilberforce [one 
of the deputation] waited upon him, and had a long conversa- 
tion with him respecting the Society, and the persons by whom 
it was set on foot. The Archbishop was very candid, and ap- 
peared to be favourably disposed ; but, as might be expected, 
he was cautious not to commit himself till he was more parti- 
cularly acquainted with the subject. He said that he should 
be glad to receive the deputation at any time." 

Further delays ensued, arising from the absence of 
the Archbishop from town. 

At length, in July, 1800, Mr. Wilberforce communi- 
cated to Mr. Venn the result of his interviews in the 
following letter : — 

William Wilberforce, Esq., to Rev. John Venn. 

" MY DEAR SIR — - 

" I had promised myself a quiet morning at Chelsea, charm- 
ing from its novelty as well as its intrinsic comfort, but your 
letter determined me to sally forth. I have had an interview 
with the Archbishop, who has spoken in very obliging terms, 
and expressed himself concerning your Society in as favourable 
a way as could be expected. I will tell you more at large 
when we meet what passed between us. Meanwhile, I will just 
state, that His Grace regretted that he could not, with pro- 
priety, at once express his full concurrence or approbation of 
any endeavours in behalf of an object he has deeply at heart. 
He acquiesced in the hope I expressed that the Society might 
go forward ; being assured that he would look on their proceed- 



1800.] 



CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY FORMED. 



17 



ings with candour, and that it would give him pleasure to find 
them such as he could approve. 

" Believe me, ever affectionately yours, in extreme haste, 

" W. W. 

'•'•Palace Yard, Thursday, July 24 [1800]." 

Matters having been brought thus far, the Com- 
mittee met on the 4th of August, 1800 ; embodied the 
substance of Mr. Wilberforce's letter in the form of a 
Resolution, which was entered on the Minutes ; and 
took measures for publishing their Prospectus* without 
further delay. Copies were sent to various Religious 
Societies, and to a great number of the clergy and 
laity throughout the kingdom. The following is the 
friendly acknowledgment by the Secretary of the So- 
ciety for Promoting Christian Knowledge, which at 
that time had charge of the Missions in South India, 
afterwards, in 1826, transferred to the Society for Pro- 
pagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts : — 

Rev. George Gaskin, Secretary to the Society for Promoting 
Christian Knowledge, to Rev. Thomas Scott, Secretary to 
the Church Missionary Society. 

" REV. SIR 

" I received the favour of your letter, together with fifty 
copies of an account of ' the Society for Missions to Africa and 
the East.' The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge 



* This was drawn up by Mr. Venn. See Appendix to a Sermon 
preached by the Rev. Henry Venn, Honorary Secretary of the Church 
Missionary Society, on occasion of the death of Mr. Pratt; also a Jubilee 
Tract by the Rev. Henry Venn, intituled "The Founders of the Church 
Missionary Society, and its First Five Years." 



L8 



MR. PRATT APPOINTED SECRETARY. 



[Chap. II. 



desire me to return thanks for this mark of your Society s at- 
tention to them. 

" The harvest is truly plenteous. God grant that fit la- 
bourers may be found to work in it, that the Gentiles, who 
have not yet entered into the sheepfold of Christ's Church, may 
be led to see that it is the ark of salvation ! 
" I am, Rev. Sir, 

" Your faithful humble servant, 

" Geo. Gaskin, Secretary. 

" Bartlett's Buildings, Nov. 7, 1800." 

On the 8th of December, 1802, Mr. Scott resigned the 
office of Secretary, and he was immediately succeeded 
by Mr. Pratt, who retained it till the 23d of April, 1824 
— through a period of more than twenty-one years. He 
devoted the vigour of his days — from his 34th to his 
56th year — in arduous and untiring labours in its ser- 
vice ; and to the close of life took the deepest in- 
terest in all its affairs, being ever ready, when applied 
to, to aid the Committee by that counsel and advice 
which his large experience, sound sense, and compre- 
hensive mind so well fitted him to impart. 

When he entered upon the duties of the Secretary- 
ship, the Society were endeavouring to engage the 
services of suitable labourers to commence a Mission in 
West Africa ; — a quarter of the globe to which the 
sympathies of Christians were at that time powerfully 
drawn, in consequence of the cruel injuries inflicted 
upon its inhabitants by the Slave Trade. But at- 
tempts to interest young men in England, and to in- 
duce them to embark in this labour of love, were then 
quite unavailing. 

And here occasion offers, to pay a just tribute to 



1803.] 



REV. WILLIAM GOODE. 



L9 



the memory of that excellent man and early friend of 
the Society, the Rev. William Goode, in whose study, 
at the Rectory of St. Ann's, Blackfriars, the Commit- 
tee held its meetings for several of the earlier years, 
and in whose Church the first sixteen Anniversary 
Sermons were preached. He may be said to have 
died in the cause, for the complaint which removed 
him from the Church on earth, was taken in a journey 
to Ipswich on behalf of the Society. At the period of 
which we are speaking, the warmest friends of the 
cause were at times almost disposed to abandon the 
undertaking, in despair of procuring suitable instru- 
ments for carrying out their designs among the Hea- 
then : but the faith of this holy man seemed never to 
fail ; and Mr. Pratt would often refer in later years, 
with affectionate remembrance, to the exhortations of 
Mr. Goode to persevere in believing prayer, as he felt 
no doubt but, when patience had had its perfect work, 
the Lord would crown their plans and efforts with 
success. 

The Society was at length compelled to direct its 
attention to the Continent, and entered into corre- 
spondence with the Directors of the Berlin Seminary, 
recently established for the purpose of training pious 
young men for Missionary work. And towards the 
close of 1803 two young men, brought up in that In- 
stitution, and ordained in the Lutheran Church, in 
which they had been baptized, " were accepted as 
Missionaries of the Society, to be employed as Mini- 
sters of a Sister Communion to the Church of England, 
after the example of the venerable Society for Pro- 

c 2 



20 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. II. 



moting Christian Knowledge." * In the following letter 
to the Principal of the Berlin Institution, Mr. Pratt 
adverts to these individuals, and to others who were 
under preparation for future employment. The last 
part of the letter refers to the renewal of war between 
France and England, and the threat of Buonaparte to 
invade England. 

To the Rev. J. J&nicke. 

" London, Aug. 2, 1803. 

" DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER — 

" We are well satisfied with your account of the four 
brethren, and the manner in which they are preparing for their 
great work. Brethren R. and H. are both well. The time is 
now very near when they will probably set sail for Africa. We 
have written to our friends at Sierra Leone to prepare matters 
for them. They will set out, God willing, after about two 
months ; and after staying a proper time in the Colony of Sierra 
Leone to get inured to the climate, &c, they will proceed to 
their destination, whither, let us not doubt, the Lord will ac- 
company them, and give them favour and success with the 
Susoo people. 

" It is glorious, while others are thirsting for human blood, 
to be thirsting for souls ; while others are ambitious of en- 
slaving their fellow-men, to be ambitious only of carrying to 
them true and spiritual freedom ; and while others are labour- 
ing night and day to enlarge authority which will expire with 
their breath, to wear our strength out in extending that king- 
dom which shall never end ! 

" We are rising up as one man in these nations to resist our 
cruel and perfidious enemy. It is the deliberate determination 
of multitudes, I believe, among us, to inflict a signal chastise- 



* Fourth Report of the Church Missionary Society, p. 315. 



1803.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



21 



ment upon the French, if they venture to set foot upon our 
shores, or to die in the conflict. But the battle is the Lord's ; 
and my hope is, that, though we are a highly sinful land, yet 
God will spare us, in answer to the earnest prayers of His many 
children scattered among us. Yet it is an awful time ; and if 
the English and French meet in the field on British ground, 
you will hear, and we shall experience, what will make both 
ears to tingle. Remember us in your prayers, that we may 
live a reformed and Christian, as well as a victorious nation. 
And may our blessed Lord hear and answer, and prosper us in 
all our labours for the promotion of that Kingdom of Peace 
which will sheath the murderous sword, and make the world 
one scene of harmony and love ! 

" Believe me, Dear Sir, 
" Your faithful friend and brother in our Lord J esus Christ, 

"Josiah Pratt." 

He adverts again to the all-absorbing topic of the 
French invasion, in a letter to another friend in Berlin. 

To the Rev. G. S. Stracke. 

" London, Oct. 11, 1803. 

" DEAR BROTHER IN THE LORD 

" Your prayers, and the interest you and other Christians 
take in the present state of Great Britain, have afforded much 
consolation to several brethren to whom I have communicated 
them. Our sins as a nation, and our infirmities as a Church, 
are very great, and deserve severe punishment and scourging ; 
but we have good hopes from the spirit of prayer stirred up on 
our behalf among ourselves, and among Christians in Ger- 
many, Prussia, &c, that God will help our brave exertions. 
Continue, dear brother, to remember us unceasingly in your 
prayers. 

" As I thought it might be pleasing to you, I have sent you 
a small collection of Tracts and papers, published, as you will 
see, to rouse the spirit of the country, and some of them by 



22 



DISAPPOINTMENTS. 



[Chap. II. 



sincere Christians, and in a right spirit. These form but a 
small part of what has been published, as I suppose that within 
three months not less than 300 different publications have ap- 
peared on this subject." 

On the 31st of January, 1804, the two Missionaries 
from Berlin, Rev. Messrs. Renner and Hartwig, were 
publicly commended to the grace of God in a Meet- 
ing of the Committee. Upon this occasion Mr. Pratt 
delivered a Farewell Address — in the name of the 
Committee — full of counsel, admonition, and encou- 
ragement. On the 8th of March they sailed ; and on 
the 14th of April, after a prosperous voyage, they 
reached their destination. 

" The employment of the press, and the sending 
forth of Missionaries" were, as we have seen, the 
principal means which the Society had from the be- 
ginning proposed to employ in carrying on their great 
undertaking. In the most important of these two 
branches of operation, u the sending forth of Missio- 
naries," they were now fairly engaged ; and many 
were the prayers and supplications offered, and san- 
guine the hopes entertained, that " the Lord of the 
harvest" would speedily gladden the hearts of his ser- 
vants with success. 

But " my ways are not your ways, saith the Lord, 
neither are my thoughts your thoughts." He often 
leads His people by a way that they know not. We 
shall hereafter see that the subsequent history of this 
Mission largely illustrates these truths. Disappoint- 
ments and trials of various kinds, and through a long 
period of time, taught many a lesson to Mr. Pratt and 



1803.] 



A NEW PROJECT. 



2o 



his co-adjutors in the Committee. Thus was their 
faith exercised, a spirit of supplication called forth, and 
their experience so enlarged, as to prepare them for 
future and more extensive operations with a measure 
of judgment and intelligence to be learnt only in the 
school of difficulty. While, on the other hand, as will 
be seen, ultimate and abundant success- — though in a 
way they had not thought of — has been vouchsafed to 
the very scene of their first disappointments ; — an ac- 
knowledgment of their " work of faith, labour of love, 
and patience of hope," well calculated to animate their 
successors in the present and in every future age. 

To bring 66 the press" to bear upon their designs, the 
Society had already begun to make inquiries as to the 
best manner of promoting the translation and printing 
of the Scriptures and Religious Tracts in foreign lan- 
guages. But of this part of their plan, as far as re- 
gards the Scriptures, the Society was about to be 
relieved by a project, in maturing which likewise 
Mr. Pratt took so active a part, that it will be proper 
to enter into some farther details. 

Events were, about this time, preparing the way for 
one of the noblest of those efforts of Christian philan- 
thropy which are the glory of the age and the land we 
live in. An unprecedented demand for copies of the 
Holy Scriptures throughout the Principality of Wales, 
which it was found, after repeated efforts, none of the 
existing Societies were ready or disposed to satisfy, gave 
the first impulse to this grand design. And no sooner 
was public attention drawn to the pressing exigencies 
of that part of the kingdom, than similar cases of 



24 



FORMATION OF THE 



[Chap. II. 



lamentable destitution were brought to light. The loud 
call from Wales, roused attention to a sense of the 
general scarcity of copies of the Word of God which 
prevailed throughout the country, and also among the 
foreign Churches of the Continent. The necessity for 
devising some means, on a large and efficient scale, of 
remedying this deep-felt want, was no sooner laid 
open than it was felt and acknowledged. Plans for 
the accomplishment of this noble object were speedily 
set on foot. The tone of Christian feeling, which hap- 
pily prevailed among good men about this period, 
prepared the way for the speedy execution of any 
purpose which seemed calculated to promote the ad- 
vancement of true religion. The glowing embers 
were smouldering, and needed but a well-directed 
current to rouse them into a flame. 

On the 7th of March, 1804, a Public Meeting was 
convened in London, when it was resolved u with 
unanimous demonstrations of cordiality and joy," that 
a Society should be formed, to be designated " The 
British and Foreign Bible Society, of which the sole 
object should be to encourage a wider dispersion of 
the Holy Scriptures."* A Committee of thirty-six 
members was nominated for conducting its affairs, and 
some Resolutions were passed tracing an outline of its 
future constitution. 

The interesting occurrences of this Meeting are 



* In 1811, the following words were added: "without note or com- 
ment. The only copies in the languages of the United Kingdom to be 
circulated by the Society shall be the authorized version." 



1804.] 



BIBLE SOCIETY. 



25 



vividly described by the pious historian of the Society, 
who himself took an active share in its proceedings. 
He describes himself as " surrounded by a multitude 
of Christians, whose doctrinal and ritual differences 
had for ages kept them asunder, and who had been 
taught to regard each other with a sort of pious 
estrangement, or rather of consecrated hostility :" and 
then in the following words conveys to us a lively con- 
ception of the deep interest with which this memora- 
ble day was invested. 

" The scene was new : nothing analogous to it had perhaps 
been exhibited before the public since Christians had begun to 
organize among each other the strife of separation, and to 
carry into their own camp that war which they ought to have 
waged in concert against the common enemy. To the author 
it appeared to indicate the dawn of a new era in Christendom, 
and to portend something like the return of those auspicious 
days, when the multitude of them that believed were of one heart 
and of one soul ; and when, as a consequence of that union, to 
a certain degree at least, the Word of God mightily grew and 
prevailed.* 

Mr. Pratt was one of this interesting assembly, and 
was chosen a member of the Committee. The esta- 
blishment of an Institution for diffusing, on the 
grandest scale, the written Oracles of God, was an 
event which he would hail with the utmost delight. 
He foresaw at once what important service such an 
Institution was calculated to render, in becoming 
chief commissary, as it were, to the great Missionary 



* Owen's Hist. B. and F. B. Soc, Vol. i. p. 44. 



26 



THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



[Chap. II. 



army, then marshalling by various denominations of 
Christians, for the invasion of Satan's kingdom through- 
out the world. He communicated the happy tidings 
to Mr. Stracke of Berlin, in the following letter. 

To the Rev. G. S. Stracke. 

" London, March 21, 1804. 

"my very dear brother — 

******* 

" You will be glad to hear that a new Society was formed 
in London the beginning of this month, called the British and 
Foreign Bible Society, of which the sole object is to encourage 
a wider dispersion of the Holy Scriptures through the British 
dominions ; and, according to the ability of the Society, through 
other countries, whether Christian, Mahomedan, or Pagan. 
This Society is intended to embrace all denominations of serious 
Christians, and much spirit and unanimity prevails in support- 
ing it. You will probably hear more from our friend Stein- 
kopff, who is one of the Secretaries. 

" May our blessed Lord prosper these and all other designs 
for extending His kingdom, and preserve this nation, that it 
may still be an honoured instrument in His hands of building 
up His holy Temple ! 

"I remain, Dear Sir, 
" With fervent prayer for you and all yours, 

" Your affectionate friend and brother, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

Five days after the formation of the Society, the 
Committee met for the election of officers, and the 
adjustment of the practical machinery for carrying on 
its operations. It was determined that three Secre- 
taries should be appointed : one a Clergyman of the 
Established Church, another a Dissenting Minister, 



1804.] 



THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



27 



and the third a representative of the Foreign Churches. 
For the first of these posts Mr. Owen, to whose 
participation in the formation of the Society allusion 
has been just made, " directed the attention of the 
Committee," to quote his own words, "to the Rev. 
Josiah Pratt, B.D., Secretary to the Church Missionary 
Society, as a person who united the talents and expe- 
rience which such an office might be supposed to re- 
quire." Mr. Pratt readily consented to fill the ap- 
pointment, only till a suitable person could be found 
willing to undertake it. The Rev. Joseph Hughes, 
to whom, under God, belongs the praise of having 
first suggested the formation of the Society, accepted 
the second office ; and a revered Minister, w T ho still 
lives to rejoice in the prosperity of this noble institu- 
tion — the Rev. Dr. SteinkopfF — was requested to un- 
dertake the duties of the Foreign Secretary. 

During the brief period of Mr. Pratt's occupying 
this new post, the gifts with which God had specially 
endowed him were called into active service in effect- 
ing a re-organization of the Committee, and in giving 
it a constitution, the practical working of which for 
more than forty years proves the wisdom and fore- 
thought with which it was devised. 

The historian of the Society shall describe the 
transaction in his own impressive and elegant lan- 
guage. After enumerating the steps which were taken 
when the Secretaries were appointed, he adds : — 

" The first of these, the plan for new modelling the Com- 
mittee, was a measure, which, for the felicity of thought with 
which it was conceived, the good temper on all sides with which 



2:S 



THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



[Chap. II- 



it was executed, and the practical advantages with which it has 
been followed, deserves to be particularly related and explained. 

" By the Eighth Resolution, as settled at the formation of 
the Society on the 7th of March, it was enacted, that the Com- 
mittee for conducting its business should consist of thirty-six 
members. Nothing was, however, stated or defined in that 
Resolution as to the description which these members should 
answer, or the religious community to which they should re- 
spectively belong. They were chosen, therefore, indiscrimi- 
nately from the Episcopal Clergy, Dissenting Ministers, and 
the Laity at large ; with little reference to any other qualifica- 
tion than that of known or reputed attachment to religion, and 
either ascertained or probable regard for the object and success 
of the Institution. 

" It appeared, upon reflection, that a list which should exhi- 
bit such a combination as would naturally arise from so desul- 
tory a choice, might excite a prejudice against the designs of 
the Society, and give it that aspect in the eyes of the public 
which would preclude it from general support. It was further 
considered, that it would be highly inexpedient to let the com- 
position of a body, entrusted with the direction of the Society's 
affairs, remain wholly undefined ; and to leave the annual elec- 
tion of its members to the uncertain operation of casual and 
unregulated feeling. A plan was therefore concerted for 
modelling the Committee on a principle which should define 
the respective proportions of Churchmen, Dissenters, and Fo- 
reigners ; and prescribe such other regulations as might obviate 
prejudice, prevent invidious competition, and maintain inviolate 
the exercise of those rights, which no constituent part of the 
Committee were either expected or disposed to surrender. 

"According to this plan it was determined that the Com- 
mittee should consist exclusively of Laymen : that of the thirty- 
six members, to which number it was limited, six should be 
Foreigners, resident in or near the metropolis ; and of the re- 
maining thirty, one half should be members of the Established 



1804.] 



THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



29 



Church, and the other half members of other Christian denomina- 
tions. In order, however, to secure the services of the Clergy 
and Ministers generally, provision was made for their admission 
to a seat and a vote in the Committee, on the terms which made 
them members of the Society ; a provision which, while it con- 
cealed their names, recognised their privileges and retained their 
co-operation. The merit of this plan belongs wholly to the 
Rev. J osiah Pratt ; and when it is considered with whom the 
Society originated, and under what sort of influence its first 
Committee had been formed, it will appear that it must have 
required much energy on the one part, and no less moderation 
on the other, to accomplish a measure which involved so many 
and such material changes. The subject was indeed very freely 
discussed ; and objections were urged against parcelling out 
the Committee by lines of religious distinction : but the dis- 
cussion was conducted throughout in a Christian spirit ; and 
ended in a unanimous determination to adopt the proposed im- 
provements in all their extent." 

The Committee revised the whole of the rules, and 
a finished draft of the constitution of the Society was 
prepared, to be submitted to a Meeting of the general 
body convened for May the 2d. 

About a week previous to the convening of this 
Meeting, and exactly six weeks after he had accepted 
the office, Mr. Pratt, finding the discharge of his new 
duties incompatible with his engagements as Secretary 
of the Church Missionary Society, begged the Com- 
mittee to accept his resignation ; and Mr. Owen 
was prevailed upon to become his successor. " The 
proposition," says Mr. Owen, "originated with the 
Rev. Josiah Pratt, who made such a representation 
to the Committee as disposed them to concur with 
him in believing that it would be for the advantage of 



30 



THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



[Chap. II. 



the Institution :" and he proceeds to eulogize the con- 
duct of Mr. Pratt in the transaction, as " too creditable 
to the integrity of his mind, and his superiority to the 
desire of personal distinction, not to attract the notice 
and excite the gratitude of the Committee. They 
marked their sense of his generosity by a testimony of 
their warmest approbation ; and voted him their una- 
nimous thanks ( for his very disinterested attention to 
the welfare of the Institution.' "* 

Mr. Owen's personal intimacy with the Bishop of 
London, Dr. Beilby Porteus, to whom he regularly 
communicated the progress of events in this great 
movement, was one among various qualifications which 
pointed him out to be peculiarly fitted to take the 
office of Church-of-England Secretary. That this was 
the argument which weighed in his own mind, and left 
him, as he said, no option in the matter, may be ga- 
thered from his own words ; when, in drawing his His- 
tory of the origin of the Society to a close, and enu- 
merating the individuals who had been instrumental 
in planning the Institution, and perfecting its ma- 
chinery, he thus recurs to the part which Mr. Pratt 
had taken : — 

" In another material agent, the Rev. Josiah Pratt, may be 
seen a continuation of what has been observed in that super- 
intending wisdom, which brought together those who were 
qualified for the respective parts they were severally intended 
to perform. The sagacity of Mr. Pratt enabled him to devise, 
and his perseverance to execute, a measure which prepared the 



* Owen's Hist. B. and F. B. Soc. Vol. I. pp. 57—60. 



1804.] 



THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



31 



way for the last agent in the confederation, the writer of this 
History, to introduce the Society with acceptance to Bishop 
Porteus, and thereby to accomplish the grand object of its pro- 
jectors and managers — its decided connection with the Esta- 
blished Church."* 

Although Mr. Pratt so soon ceased to be officially 
connected with the Bible Society, he continued to be 
its firm friend and advocate to the close of his life. 
In 1811, the Committee, desirous of testifying the gra- 
titude they considered due to him from the Society, 
as " one of its earliest, most constant, and useful 
friends," unanimously placed him amongst those Life 
Governors who earned that distinction by rendering 
important services to the institution. In 1812, he as- 
sisted in perfecting a set of Rules for the efficient or- 
ganization of Auxiliary and Branch Societies and Bible 
Associations, which had been originated by Richard 
Phillips, Esq., a warm and active friend of the cause. 
Mr. Pratt also, in conjunction with five other gentle- 
men, arranged a system of productive and efficient 
Auxiliary Societies for the City of London and its 
precincts. 



* Owen's Hist. B. and F. B. Soc. Vol. I. p. 84. 



CHAPTER III. 

1804—1812. 

THE SUSOO COUNTRY SELECTED FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF MISSIONARY 
ENTERPRISE LUTHERAN LABOURERS EMPLOYED— THE TWO FIRST MIS- 
SIONARIES ARRIVE THREE MORE EMBARK VARIOUS TRIALS AND DIF- 
FICULTIES MISCONDUCT OF ONE OF THE MISSIONARIES — LETTERS FROM 

MR. PRATT ON THIS PAINFUL OCCASION — TWO SETTLEMENTS COMMENCED 
— DEATH OF ONE OF THE MISSIONARIES A THIRD SETTLEMENT ESTA- 
BLISHED — SCHOOLS FORMED — DEATHS OF MISSIONARIES. 

It was on the 14th April, 1804, after the long interval 
of five years since the formation of the Church Mis- 
sionary Society, that its first Missionaries reached the 
shores of West Africa. This part of the heathen world 
had been chosen as the scene of the Society's earliest 
operations, partly in consequence of the facilities pre- 
sented for entering upon it, but especially, (as already 
intimated,) because the injuries inflicted on that un- 
happy country by the Slave Trade had attracted the 
attention and the sympathy of the religious public. 
The Society was led to select the Susoo Country for 
the commencement of their operations; and this for 
various reasons. Its proximity to the Colony of Sierra 
Leone, the extent of country through which the Susoo 
language was spoken, the easy access which would in 
all probability be opened from hence to other tribes, and 
some peculiar facilities which at the time presented 
themselves for acquiring the language, seemed to point 
out a clear course for the Society to pursue. It was 
determined, unless Divine Providence should close the 



1804—1812.] 



LUTHERAN MISSIONARIES. 



33 



door, to make a vigorous and combined effort among 
this people.* 

The Missionaries sent to West Africa were, for 
several years, Lutheran. The Society thankfully ac- 
knowledged the zeal and devotedness of a sister 
Church, which put to shame the coldness and back- 
wardness of their own ; but they went forth with the 
understanding, that whatever converts might be given 
them, should be brought up, as far as practicable, ac- 
cording to the doctrine and discipline of the Church 
of England. No doubt inconvenience was occasionally 
felt under this arrangement. Questions, peculiar to 
this state of things, arose from time to time ; but the 
manner in which they were settled, has always exhi- 
bited the conscientious attachment of the rulers of the 
Society to their own Church. 

The following letter from Mr. Pratt to some Lu- 
theran Missionaries of the Society, who were remain- 
ing at Liverpool ready to embark, serves well to il 
lustrate the anxious desire by which he and his com- 
panions were actuated of doing all things, according 
to the Apostle's rule, decently and in order. It shews, 
also, the sentiments which he entertained towards 
those Christian bodies, which differ from that to which 
he was so firmly attached. The conduct which called 
it forth is sufficiently explained in the letter itself ; 
but it may be as well previously to point out the pe- 
culiar position in which the Missionaries were placed. 
Some pious friends who became acquainted with them 



* Fourth Report of the Church Missionary Society, p. 321. 
D 



34 



LUTHERAN MISSIONARIES. 



[Chap. II. 



during their detention at Liverpool, were desirous of 
giving them an opportunity of rousing the attention 
of others to the sacred cause to which they had de- 
voted their lives. But here a difficulty arose. They 
were Lutherans, and therefore could not preach in 
our Churches ; while, at the same time, they were 
the accredited agents of a Church-of-England Society, 
and therefore, in strict propriety, ought not to act in 
contravention of the rules of the Church for which 
they were employed. This was one of the inconve- 
niences which necessarily arose from the peculiar cir- 
cumstances. A sacrifice was necessary somewhere, 
sacrifice, either of feeling on the part of the Missiona- 
ries, or of principle on the part of the Society. The 
following letter will shew how wisely this case was 
determined. The spirit of charity, as well as of in- 
tegrity, which breathes through it, cannot fail to arrest 
observation. 

From the Secretary to the Missionaries at Liverpool. 

" London, Jan. 30, 1806. 

" DEAR BRETHREN — 

" Mr. Smith has just brought me your letters to him. I am 
concerned to hear that you have preached to mixed congrega- 
tions, and partly in English, because the Committee wish you 
to appear only as German Ministers while you stay in Eng- 
land. The Committee will have no objection, I am persuaded, 
to your preaching in German to your own countrymen ; but 
they will certainly be hurt at your preaching in English, and 
to Englishmen ; because, in doing that, as you cannot appear 
as Ministers of the Established Church, you must appear as 
Dissenting Ministers ; and the many persons in our Church 
who are enemies to our Society will immediately take advantage 



1806.] 



LUTHERAN MISSIONARIES. 



35 



of this, and reproach us with having sent out Dissenters from our 
Establishment. We are obliged, therefore, to act with great 
caution. Nothing was said to you on the subject of preaching 
or not preaching at Liverpool before you left London, because it 
was not then known that you would stay so long at Liverpool. 
I shall inform the Committee on Monday of the remarks which 
I have now made to you. In the mean time, and till you hear 
from me again, I advise you (and I am persuaded that the 
whole Committee will be of the same mind) preach only in 
German and to your countrymen, in some large private room, 
if such can be procured, rather than in any Dissenting Meeting 
or Methodist Chapel ; and by no means make a show or exhi- 
bition of yourselves in preaching about from place to place or 
to mixed congregations. If you can be of any service to your 
countrymen, be so, in the name of our Lord J esus Christ ; but 
do not stand forward to excite and gratify the curiosity of our 
countrymen, where little or no real edification can, in the nature 
of things, follow, as they cannot understand you, and where it 
will be attended with such a manifest breach of the discipline 
of our Church, as may subject the Society to much inconve- 
nience and obloquy. 

" I have written thus in the fulness and freedom of my 
heart. I love all my Dissenting and Methodist brethren 
who sincerely love our Saviour; but, as a Society, we are 
surrounded by those who wait for our halting, and we are 
bound therefore to adhere strictly to our profession as Church- 
men. 

" The kindness and love shewn you by the families where 
you dwell, and by other friends, deserve your and our heartiest 
thanks. 

" Believe me, dear Friends, 

" Yours in the Lord J esus Christ, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

It has been already intimated, that the members of 

d 2 



36 



WEST-AFRICA MISSION. 



[Chap. IN. 



the Society early discovered, that, excellent as the de- 
sign of their Institution was, they were to learn the 
experience necessary for carrying on its concerns and 
superintending its Missions by a course of trials and 
disappointm en ts. 

The first letters received from Africa after the ar- 
rival of the Missionaries, brought gloomy intelligence. 
One of the two sent out was laid aside by severe ill- 
ness, and was brought to the borders of the grave ; 
while his wife, from the same cause, was obliged to 
leave the country. The other Missionary continued 
at the Colony, taking the English duties, till a Chap- 
lain could be sent out. So that the design of a Mis- 
sion being immediately commenced among the Susoos 
was for a time defeated, and the Missionary work did 
not begin. A long interval followed before the arrival 
of the next letters : no communication was received 
for eight months. In the mean time one of four Ber- 
lin students, specially set apart for the Society, with- 
drew from the service to which he had devoted him- 
self ; by which the Committee became 66 confirmed in 
the conviction of its being highly expedient to give 
the students a sufficient time to discover their real 
state and character, before they are actually sent out 
in the service of the Society." 

The next accounts from Africa were more encou- 
raging. The Missionaries were in "perfect health," 
and were anxious for the arrival of the brethren, 
who, they heard, were set apart as their future co- 
adjutors. Excursions had been made among the 
various tribes of the Susoo country, as far as the Rio 



1806.] 



TRIALS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS. 



37 



Pongas, a river about 100 miles north of Sierra Leone. 
During these journeys some insight was obtained into 
the character of the natives and the slave dealers, 
among whom they would have to labour.* 

The next Missionaries, three in number, embarked 
at Liverpool, Feb. 12, 1806. And now new causes of 
disquietude awaited the Society, in the trials of those 
whom they were sending forth. After combating 
severe weather, the vessel in which they sailed was 
stranded on a sand-bank on the Irish coast about 
4 a.m., when they were aroused from a profound sleep 
by the cry, " We are lost ! we are lost !" But it 
pleased God to rescue them from their perils in the 
deep, in that night of terror and confusion. On the 
22d of April they re-embarked for Sierra Leone at 
Bristol. The vessel sailed round to Falmouth, and 
waited some time for a convoy ; and at last weighed 
anchor unexpectedly, without apprizing the Missio- 
naries, who were then on shore. They no sooner 
learnt that they were left behind, than they followed 
without delay in an open boat; but, owing to the 
roughness of the weather, were unable to board the 
vessel. After being tossed about for several hours 
under a very violent gale, to the imminent hazard of 
their lives, they returned to Falmouth depressed and 
chagrined. The wind, however, having suddenly 
changed, they were scarcely returned into the har- 
bour, when the vessel in which they were to have 

* See the "Missionary Register" for 1817, p. 98, for a Map of this 
part of West Africa, in which the relative position of the trihes is well 
shewn. 



38 



WEST-AFRICA MISSION. 



[Chap. III. 



sailed put back with the whole fleet, and came to 
anchor, and the Missionaries immediately embarked, 
The wind improving, they set sail again, and reached 
Madeira on the 2d of June, where the captain died; and 
here they were detained for three months and a half, 
till instructions could be obtained from the owners of 
the ship. They reached Sierra Leone Sept. 22, 1806, 
more than seven months after they first embarked ; an 
interval in which, under favourable circumstances, 
they might have made the voyage six times over. 
Thus at the very outset were the faith and patience 
of both the Missionaries and the friends of the cause, 
severely put to the test. 

It was the design of the Society that their Missio- 
naries should form settlements among the natives, 
where they should congregate together, and from 
which they should make excursions among the neigh- 
bouring tribes, and ultimately, as their numbers in- 
creased, branch out and establish Out-Stations. Four 
of the five Missionaries now in the country, were di- 
rected to embrace without delay an opportunity which 
offered about this time of settling in a Susoo town on 
the Rio Pongas, belonging to a friendly chief. The 
Rev. Mr. Renner, being the senior of the five, and well 
adapted to the duties, remained in the Colony, dis- 
charging the office of Chaplain. The Abolition of the 
Slave Trade just at this time, and the formation of 
the African Institution, were regarded as two occur- 
rences highly calculated to promote the Society's de- 
signs in their West- Africa Mission, 

But a sad blight was now threatening the very 



1806.] 



A PAINFUL OCCURRENCE. 



39 



existence of the Mission itself, from the misconduct 
of one of the Labourers who first went forth. The 
earliest workings of this mischief were traced to some 
misunderstandings which arose about seniority. The 
following extract of a letter, written by Mr. Pratt 
before either the full extent of the evil, or the party 
to whom the blame attached, was known, will shew 
the fidelity and paternal anxiety with which he watched 
the infant Mission : — 

" London, June 23, 1806. 
" Remember, brethren, the awful charge you have taken on 
you. Remember how much you are bound to commend by 
your own spirit and temper the Gospel which you are gone 
forth to declare to the Heathen. Pray earnestly that self may 
be sacrificed to the honour and glory of Christ. Labour and 
pray, that you may live in love and in due subordination, one 
with another and with the brethren, who will have joined you, 
we trust, before this reaches you. To those brethren remem- 
ber us with unfeigned affection. Tell them that their old com- 
panion has finally given up the Missionary service, and 

is gone to Dublin. On the strictest examination, he does not 
seem to have had from the beginning any peculiar attachment 
to the perishing Heathen, but only to have had a general desire 
to preach the Gospel. This will not do for a Missionary, who 
must be a man raised up specially of God, and sent forth with 
a deep conviction of the value and importance of the service in 
which he is engaged." 

When the three brethren here alluded to arrived, 
the evil developed itself more manifestly ; but partly 
from delay in communication, and partly from the 
backwardness of the Missionaries to implicate one of 
their number till the case was clear, and necessity 
really demanded it, it was some time before the Com- 



40 



WEST-AFRICA MISSION. 



[Chap. III. 



mittee were able to come to a decision upon this very 
painful question. 

The following is a passage from one of Mr. Pratt's 
letters, written to all five of the Missionaries, during 
the time in which the minds of the Committee were 
still held in suspense for want of further information. 
After adverting to the advantages which might be ex- 
pected from their forming themselves into a settle- 
ment, where they might support and comfort each 
other, and, as they felt ability, branch out to other 
places, he gives the following admirable caution and 
advice : — 

" London, April 27, 1807. 
" But remember, dear brethren, that if you do not manifest 
in that abode, where you may be fixed, the grace of your 
Master, in forming you into a holy, patient, industrious, loving, 
meek, and heavenly Society, it may prove in the end that it 
would have been better for you never to have been born, than 
to have been sent to Africa. Oh ! do not, brethren, yield to 
the tempter's wiles. Do not suffer envy, grudgings, sur- 
misings, ill-will, jealousy, anger, to have any footing among 
you. If the poor Heathen around you are not constrained to say 
of you, as the Heathen of old said of the first Christians, * See 
how these Christians love,' they will laugh at your doctrines. 
Lives and tempers are very intelligible to men all the world 
over ; and if you hope to win the Heathen to Christ, it must 
be by shewing them that Christ does for His children and dis- 
ciples what idols, and Mahomet, and the devil, cannot do for 
theirs. If they see you pure and chaste, and humble and kind, 
and forbearing and devout, they will ask, ( How came these 
men to be so happy ? They are our friends : they love us : 
they came to make us as happy as they are themselves.' And 
so they will begin and open their ears to your sublime doc- 



1807.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



41 



trines. But if you preach Christ and Him crucified, while 
you walk yourselves carnally and as other men, you will bring 
a curse on the undertaking, and expose the doctrine of the 

Cross to contempt and ridicule. 

**##*■*.* 

" I now recommend you all, dear brethren, to our gracious 
God. May you stand fast together, striving to glorify Him by 
whose blood you have been redeemed, and about whose great 
work you are engaged. 

" Believe me, ever yours, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

The cause of the unhappy state into which the Mis- 
sion had been brought was at length traced to the 
right source. The issue was, the separation of the 
offending party from the Society ; an extreme mea- 
sure, to which it has very rarely been necessary to 
resort through the whole period of the Society's 
existence to the present day. 

Mr. Pratt wrote privately to each of the Missiona- 
ries in a manner which displayed his knowledge of 
human nature, and his discrimination of character. 
The enemy had been amongst them ; and their 
natural dispositions had, even in spite of their 
Christian graces, manifested themselves in the trying 
hour. His object in writing was to acquaint them of 
the decision of the Committee, and to attempt to 
restore peace and concord, by encouraging the timid, 
admonishing the hasty, and commending the patient. 

In a general letter, written to all four of them, he 
notices the "cordial and affectionate spirit" which 
their last letters appeared to breathe ; but, lest any 
remains of unpleasant feeling should lurk in their 



42 



WEST- AFRICA MISSION. 



[Chap. III. 



hearts, he cautions them that outward harmony could 
not be long maintained unless this cordial and affec- 
tionate spirit were deep seated and sincere. 

« London, Oct. 19, 1807. 
" If there be any consciousness among you, of the exist- 
ence of a contrary spirit, that musty by the grace of God, be 
wholly subdued, or the Mission will be injured, your friends 
grieved, and your persons endangered. As you value the 
honour of your Master's name, and the salvation of your own 
souls, cultivate a spirit of determined and mutual forbearance. 
Pray with increasing humility and earnestness, that your Great 
Head would render you like Himself, and like His great Apo- 
stle, and endue you with His Spirit in full measure. Let not a 

second disgrace attend the Mission in Africa. Let 's fall 

be a warning and lesson to every one. Oh ! pray for that 
grace of ' charity which suffereth long, and is kind ; which 
envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not be- 
have itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily pro- 
voked, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, 
endureth all things.' For ' he that lacketh these things is blind 
and cannot see afar off; and hath forgotten that he was purged 
from his old sins.' " 

The tone of the replies which the brethren sent to 
these letters, sufficiently shews how well they promoted 
the good end in view. 

After various journeys had been made among the 
Susoos and Mandingoes, a tribe almost wholly Maho- 
medan, two settlements were commenced in 1808 by 
three of the Missionaries ; one at Fantimania (after- 
wards called Canoffee,) on the Rio Pongas ; the other 
at Bashia, lower down the river. A large house had 
been offered at the latter of these places by a slave- 
dealer, on condition that the Missionaries would edu- 



1809.] 



DEATH OF THE MISSIONARY, PRASSE, 



43 



cate his children. The Committee approved of their 
gathering together for education all the children of 
every class, native or not, into their settlement, and 
doing all the good they could in any way that pre- 
sented itself. 

Every thing seemed now to promise well. The 
Missionaries were fairly settled down in the very 
midst of the Heathen ; and by their schools, and by 
books, they were preparing to diffuse a knowledge of 
the Gospel. But no sooner were they entering, as it 
seemed, with new and bright prospects of success, 
upon the work and labour of love for which they had 
left their native land, than they were called to mourn 
over the departure of one of their happy company to 
his heavenly rest. His " simplicity of character and 
piety" seemed to promise great future usefulness. 

Mr. Pratt writes to the brethren upon this occa- 
sion : — 

" London, June 24, 1809. 
" It grieves us much to hear of the death of Brother Prasse. 
This calls for patience and silent submission. It seems to our 
feeble minds extraordinary that he should be led through a 
long course of preparation for the Missionary work, and then be 
taken away just as he was getting into the field of labour. But 
there are wise and gracious reasons for it, which we do not 
see. ' What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know 
hereafter.' In the mean time, 1 Follow thou me this is our 
Lord's language to you and to us all. May this Providence, 
which has withdrawn one of your fellow-labourers, quicken 
your own diligence and zeal ! May the same mind be more 
abundantly in you which was also in Christ Jesus, when He 
said, 1 1 must work the works of Him that sent me while it is 
day : the night cometh, when no man can work ! ' " 



44 



WEST-AFRICA MISSION. 



[Chap. III. 



Two 'more Missionaries left for Sierra Leone in 
July 1809. On their arrival, one of them suffered so 
severely from fever, that he had scarcely reached the 
settlement in which he was to labour, before he too was 
summoned to his rest. He died Feb. 2, 1810, and was 
buried in the garden of the settlement at Fantimania. 

The Abolition of the Slave Trade seemed at first to 
be working a rapid improvement in the condition of 
West Africa ; but this favourable state of things began 
to decline for a time by the partial revival of the ini- 
quitous traffic, carried on, as it was, under the show 
of a foreign flag. The Missionaries were much hin- 
dered and discouraged by this unhappy reverse. Their 
school, however, at Bashia, which amounted to 40 chil- 
dren by the end of 1809, increased to 120 boys and 
girls by the close of 1811. These children were partly 
natives, and partly the offspring of the slave-dealers 
themselves, who maintained their children in the school. 
It appeared, from a variety of causes, that little suc- 
cess could be expected with the adults, particularly on 
a coast where the Slave Trade had ruined the morals 
and debased all the better feelings of men. The 
improvement in the schools was therefore a cheering 
token of success in the midst of discouragements. In 
October 1811 two more Missionaries from Berlin left 
England to join their brethren in their labours : these 
were the eighth and ninth sent out by the Society. On 
the 20th of January 1812 they reached Bashia, where 
they were heartily welcomed. They took out with 
them a printing-press and a quantity of paper. About 
the same time the Rev. Mr. Butscher came home, by 



1812.] 



MORE DEATHS. 



45 



desire of the Committee, partly on account of his 
health, and partly that they might confer with him 
upon the affairs of the Mission. He brought home 
the melancholy tidings that death was still visiting 
the settlements. One of the Missionaries had lost his 
wife in December 1810 ; and now intelligence was 
brought of the death of the wife of another about a 
year later. These occurrences are thus noticed in a 
letter from Mr. Pratt to the brethren, dated April 27, 
1812 :— 

" Your letters inform us of the trial to which God has 
called Brother Wenzel, in bereaving him of his affectionate 
wife. The Committee feel much for him in this his affliction ; 
but trust God will enable him to submit quietly to all the 
strokes of his fatherly rod. What shall we say to these 
things ? The brethren Prasse and Barneth, and their sisters 
in Christian labours, lay their dust on the shore of Africa ; but 
shall we be discouraged ? No ; while we would enforce caution 
on you all in exposing yourselves to the dangers of the cli- 
mate, we would say, e Their sacred remains have taken posses- 
sion of the land.' 

" Surely God has a great work to accomplish by your means. 
The prospects opened before us, in regard to the children, by 
the communications of the brethren Renner, Butscher, and 
Wenzel, fill our hearts with joy. We are anxious to follow 
up these good openings. We have engaged two students, now 
at Berlin, who will soon come over to this country, and will 
join you in Africa, after staying a due time under Mr. Scott's* 
care." 



* The Rev. Thomas Scott from 1808 to 1814 undertook the preparation 
of the Missionaries of the Society for their labours, after leaving Ger- 
many. The students here referred to went to India. 



46 



WEST-AFRICA MISSION. 



[Chap. III. 



Towards the close of 1812 a third settlement was 
established at Yongroo, on the shore opposite Sierra 
Leone, among the Bulloms, by the Rev. Mr* Nylander, 
the Missionary who had acted for nearly five years as 
Chaplain to the Colony ; and Mr. Butscher was au- 
thorized, on his return, in co-operation with his 
brethren in Africa, to erect a fourth on the Rio Dem- 
bia, a river about thirty miles south of Rio Pongas. 
He had been urgently invited to that part of the coun- 
try by William Fernandez, a man of considerable in- 
fluence, and chief of the district. This settlement 
w r as not commenced till 1814, when it received the 
name of Gambier, after the noble President of the So- 
ciety. 

Upon his return to Africa, Mr. Butscher was accom- 
panied by Richard Wilkinson, a native youth whom 
he had brought over with him, and three pious lay- 
men of the Lutheran communion, accustomed to 
farming and useful occupations. In preparation for 
assisting in the concerns of the Mission, and augment- 
ing its influence upon the natives, they had learnt 
the arts of boat-building, twine-spinning and rope- 
making, and smiths work. They embarked on the 
19th of Nov. 1812 at the Motherbank, whither Mr. Pratt 
accompanied them, after having laid himself out in 
every way he could to furnish them with whatever was 
likely to contribute to their comfort on the voyage, 
and to promote their usefulness in their respective 
callings. The vessel was wrecked off the Rio Pon- 
gas, but the Missionaries escaped safely to shore. 
Mr. Pratt and his friends had become so chastened in 



1812.] 



WEST-AFRICA MISSION. 



4? 



their expectations, that they were not cast down by 
this calamity, but hoped for the future ; " well know- 
ing/' as he writes, " that these trials of faith and 
patience are to be expected ; and that they com- 
monly attend the early stages of those designs to pro- 
mote the Divine glory, which become in the end per- 
manently successful." And here we must quit the 
West-Africa Mission for a time. 

During these proceedings with reference to its first 
Mission, the Society was beginning to direct its atten- 
tion to other parts of the heathen world, chiefly to 
New Zealand, as will be noticed in a future Chapter. 



CHAPTER IV. 

1804—1812. 

CHANGE OF CLERICAL OCCUPATIONS — APPOINTMENT TO SIB GEORGE 

WHELER's CHAPEL NOTICES OF SIR T. F. BUXTON AND MR. HOABE 

INTEBCOUBSE WITH HENBY MABTYN PUBLICATION OF THE WOBKS OF 

BISHOPS HALL AND HOPKINS— UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO PUBLISH A 

POLYGLOT BIBLE LETTEB OF HENBY MABTYN —MB. CECILYS WOBKS 

THOUGHTS IN RETIBEMENT. 

But amidst his abundant labours in behalf of Reli- 
gious Societies, Mr. Pratt was actively engaged in the 
work of the Ministry. He continued to be Assistant 
Minister to Mr. Cecil, at St. John's Chapel, Bedford 
Row, till the beginning of 1804, when he resigned that 
charge in consequence of being chosen Sunday-After- 
noon Lecturer at St. Mary Woolnoth's, Lombard 
Street, of which the Rev. John Newton was Rector. 

In September of the same year, he began to preach 
the Evening Lecture at Spitalfields Church, the 
election to which is triennial. And in the December 
following he was appointed Lady Campden's Lec- 
turer at the Church of St. Lawrence Jewry, Guildhall, 
which was then on Thursday, but afterwards changed 
to Wednesday Evening. 

About a year after this, the Rev. W. A. Gunn, Curate 
to Mr. Newton, died ; and Mr. Pratt succeeded him. 
Mr. Newton was become, through age and infirmity, 
too feeble to perform any duty himself ; and Mr. Pratt 
therefore took the Morning Service for him. For a 
considerable part of the year 1807, he preached regu- 



1807.] 



CLERICAL OCCUPATIONS. 



49 



larly four times in the week : on Sundays, at St. Mary 
Woolnoth, in the morning and afternoon ; at Spital- 
fields Church in the evening ; and on Thursdays at 
St. Lawrence Jewry. These multiplied calls upon 
him were, how T ever, soon diminished ; for in Septem- 
ber 1807 the period for which he held the Lecture in 
Spitalfields terminated ; on which occasion the After- 
noon Lecture at St. Mary Woolnoth was transferred 
to the evening. And besides this, the death of Mr. 
Newton in December of the same year relieved Mr. 
Pratt of his Curacy, and therefore of the Morning 
Service ; and his clerical duties were, for about two 
years, confined to the Evening Lectureships on Sun- 
days and Thursdays. 

These two Lectureships he retained for many years ; 
not resigning them till increasing age and other en- 
gagements seemed to point out that it was the will of 
God that he should do so. He gathered around him 
in these churches many who grew, under his solid 
and scriptural ministrations, to a blessed maturity of 
Christian character; and who will be his "joy and 
crown of rejoicing .... in the presence of our Lord 
Jesus Christ at His coming." 

One who was at a subsequent period associated with 
Mr. Pratt in some of his Ministerial and Missionary 
labours, and who well knew how to appreciate his 
edifying discourses, thus retraces the impression they 
made upon himself. After speaking of Mr. Pratt's in- 
defatigable industry in the work of the Church Mis- 
sionary Society — at a period we have not yet reached 
in our narrative — he says : — 



V 



50 EVENING LECTURES. [Chap. IV. 

" He was occupied in the Missionary work at the Church 
Missionary House, often from ten in the morning till after ten or 
later at night. I have seen him on the Wednesday, when im- 
portant Missionary work was on his mind, thus working till 
almost the last moment for going to his Lecture [at St. Law- 
rence's] ; walk by himself there that he might have a little time 
for meditation and prayer, and then pour out from the fulness 
of his mind a refreshing stream of Christian truth and expe- 
rience ; and return to his desk at the Church Missionary House 
till near eleven, that the weighty interests of the Missions might 
not suffer." 

And again : — 

" He delighted in unfolding those evangelical doctrines 
which are so fully set forth in the Epistles. I yet treasure in 
my recollection sermons which I heard from him above thirty 
years since, at the Lecture of St. Mary Woolnoth, full of hea- 
venly instruction and holy unction, and the opening out of 
Scripture in its connection, in which he ever delighted."* 

In his Evening Lectures he had ample scope for 
the public exercise of his ministry ; while being free 
from the calls of a pastoral charge, his whole time, 
except such of it as was occupied in the preparation 
of his sermons, was available for those great objects 
to which he had already devoted himself with so much 
energy. The character of his congregations, also, was 
such as to encourage him ; and to make his weekly 
ministrations a refreshment to his own soul. Many of 
his hearers were persons far advanced upon the 



* Rev. Edward Bickersteth's Funeral Sermon on the Death of Mr. 
Pratt, pp. 14. 21. 



1810.] 



SIR GEORGE WHELER'S CHAPEL. 



51 



heavenly road, who — to reverse the Apostle's words — 
" had need of strong meat, and not of milk." 

In the latter end of the year 1809, it was considered 
by a few friends that Sir George Wheler's Chapel in 
Spital Square might be a good sphere of usefulness, if 
the appointment could be obtained. These friends 
conferred with William Cardale, Esq., of Bedford Row, 
and fixed upon Mr. Pratt as a desirable person for 
their Minister. Having obtained his approbation, they 
then intimated to the Patron, Hastings Wheler, Esq., 
that they were ready to put the Chapel into good re- 
pair, provided he would present the person of their 
choice. To this he consented ; and in February, 1810, 
Mr. Pratt was licensed to the Chapel by the Bishop 
of London (Dr. Randolph), and on the following Sun- 
day read himself in. The Chapel had been shut up 
for some time, and was not in a condition to accom- 
modate a Congregation : a few friends attended, and 
a pew was swept out for their reception. There was 
no Sermon. The repairs were immediately begun ; 
and at the expense of 1100/., which sum was raised by 
voluntary contributions, the Chapel was substantially 
repaired and beautified, and an organ erected. It was 
opened for Public Worship in the following October. 
The Spitalfields Benevolent Society was soon after 
established, in connection with the congregation, for 
visiting and relieving the sick poor of Spitalfields, 
and has proved a great blessing to the neighbourhood. 

In this chapel Mr. Pratt continued his ministrations 
till 1826, through a period of sixteen years. 

It was shortly after his engaging in this new duty 

e 2 



52 



SIR T. F. BUXTON. 



[Chap. IV. 



that he became acquainted with the late Sir Thomas 
Fowell (then Mr.) Buxton, under circumstances which 
are thus narrated by the Rev. John Garwood, in a 
funeral sermon on occasion of the death of Sir Fowell. 
The sermon was preached at Wheler Chapel (now St. 
Mary's Church) about five months after Mr. Pratt like- 
wise had entered into rest. 

" Mr. Buxton had, in the year 1808, come to reside in Spital- 
fields. He was baptized in the Church of England in his in- 
fancy, by desire of his father, who was a member of that 
Church ; but by the death of his father when he was very 
young, he had fallen to the especial charge of his mother, who 
was a member of the Society of Friends ; and having afterwards 
himself married a Friend, and retaining at this time a degree of 
partiality for some of the practices of that estimable body of 
individuals, he was led to attend the Friends' Meeting in De- 
vonshire House, Bishopsgate, and continued to do so, together 
with his wife, till the year 1811, the same year in which he be- 
came a partner in the brewery. 

" In that year they were persuaded by an excellent clergy- 
man, with whom they were intimately connected, to attend this 
place of worship, then called Wheler Chapel, Mr. Pratt having 
in that year entered upon his ministry here. And most bene- 
ficial to them was the result, as well as to other members, 
direct or indirect, of their family ; many of whom, together with 
the widow of the deceased, were baptized [by Mr. Pratt] within 
these walls as adults, having been previously members of, or 
connected with, the Society of Friends ; several of whom have 
testified to me on this occasion how great was the profit which 
they derived, and in how lively a manner they still bear in re- 
collection, different sermons which they once heard, from our 
dear father, Mr. Pratt. 

" But it was not till the year 1813 that Mr. Buxton became 
decided in his religious opinions ; and in his case, as in the 



1811.] 



SIR T. F. BUXTON. 



53 



case of so many others, this is to be distinctly traced to two 
causes — the ministry of the Word, and affliction. Mr. Pratt's 
ministry in this place was exceedingly serviceable to him, and 
prepared his mind for the teaching of God's providence in the 
school of trial ; for this year God was pleased to visit him with 
a most alarming illness, and it was while in these deep waters 
that he appears to have been impressed with the evil of sin, the 
emptiness of the world, and the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ. 
The ministry of the late Rev. Samuel Crowther, who was then 
Afternoon Lecturer at Bishopsgate Church, and on whose after- 
noon lecture he was in the habit of attending, was also an 
assistance to him ; although it was from Mr. Pratt's ministra- 
tions, that, under God, he derived especial benefit ; and so at- 
tached was he to the same, that he continued his attendance on 
them after he removed from Spitalfields, and while he resided 
at Hampstead. For ten years he was a very constant attendant 
here, and here he first became a regular communicant, and re- 
ceived the emblems of his Saviour's dying love. The Rev. 
Edward Bickersteth writes to me in a letter, which he states 
that I am at full liberty to use : f I yet remember with deep 
interest the dear and honoured face of Buxton in his constant 
attendance at Wheler Chapel, his marked devotion, and his 
breathless attention to the rich treasures of Christian truth and 
experience which our beloved Pratt poured forth from Sabbath 
to Sabbath.' " 

While it is evident from such testimonies that Mr. 
Pratt's ministerial labours were deeply valued, it is 
interesting and instructive to observe in what a humble 
spirit he afterward looked back upon those labours. 
Writing to his son in India, between two and three 
years before his death, he says : — 

"London, January 31, 1842. 
" I wish I could shew you a scene which has just passed. 
I was called off from this letter by a well-known voice, which 



54 



MR. HOARE. 



[Chap. IV. 



I had long ceased to hear — Mr. Hoare's.* He has just been 
withdrawn from all business for many months by a paralytic 
attack, which has deprived him of the use, in a great degree, 
of his left side ; and he now walks about under the care of a 
servant. But his mind is in a most heavenly frame. What his 
friends tell him by way of comfort he says is the only thing which 
disquiets him : when they say that he looks well, they think 
to encourage and support him ; but the thought that such a shat- 
tered frame is to continue on earth puts his patience to the test. 
He testifies with adoring gratitude the spiritual blessings which 
he has been brought to enjoy, through the blessing of God at 
Wheler Chapel. Indeed, it is a great consolation to me, in 
looking back on a long ministry of but apparently scanty effi- 
cacy, that such men as Mr. Hoare and Sir T. F. Buxton were 
found of God in that place." 

The constant occupation which Mr. Pratt had in 
matters which brought much of secular labour with 
them, was calculated in itself to lower the tone of his 
piety ; but it happily had not that effect. Perhaps 
his constant pulpit ministrations, and the preparation 
which was necessary for congregations of the matured 
character already described, had, under God, a large 
share in preserving the depth and fervour of his reli- 
gious affections. At this distance of time it is difficult 
to call up witnesses to his every-day character in 
the earlier years of his long and active life. One 
pleasing intimation, however, is left on record by the 
Rev. Henry Martyn, who, in the beginning of 1805, 



* Samuel Hoare, Esq., of Hampstead, brother-in-law to Mr. Buxton, 
who also with his family habitually attended Wheler Chapel : he died 
in December, 1846. 



1805.] 



HENRY MARTYN. 



55 



came to town to assist Mr. Cecil at St. John's Chapel 
for six months, previously to his sailing for India.* 
Mr. Pratt had much intercourse with him during 
the time, and often invited him to his house. Upon 
quitting England Mr. Martyn expressed a wish that 
Mr. Pratt would maintain the friendly communica- 
tion, which had thus happily begun between them, 
by entering upon a regular correspondence, which no- 
thing but the numerous calls upon his time prevented. 
In Martyn's Journals the following notice occurs : — 
" May 16, 1805 : Breakfasted with Mr. Pratt. Joined 
with his family in worship. He prayed himself in a 
very simple and devout strain. My heart was full of 
joy and thankfulness that a person in his station was 
found so pious ;" — alluding, no doubt, to the circum- 
stance of his being so much occupied with matters 
involving secular details. 

It might have been expected, that, with such nume- 
rous avocations to occupy his time and engross his 
thoughts, Mr. Pratt could have but little leisure to 
devote to theological reading. Yet he was always a 
student. Although he had drank deeply at the foun- 
tain of Divine knowledge, and was more than ordina- 
rily furnished " rightly to divide the word of truth," he 
did not rest satisfied with present attainments, nor did 
he feel justified in neglecting to furnish his mind with 



* It is not generally known, that Henry Martyn was at one time en- 
gaged to go out as a Missionary under the Church Missionary Society ; 
but an appointment as Chaplain to the Honourable East-India Company 
being offered him, his friends thought it his duty to take it.— Ninth Report 
of the C. M.S., p. 480. 



56 



WORKS OF HALL AND HOPKINS. 



[Chap. IV. 



human learning of every kind, as far as higher duties 
would allow. 

One result of his theological reading was his pub- 
lishing in 1808, in ten octavo volumes, the complete 
works of Bishop Hall, then for the first time collected. 
And in 1809, he published, in four royal octavo volumes, 
the whole works of Bishop Hopkins. These works 
issued from the press at a time when little atten- 
tion was paid to our older divines. They were 
the means of much usefulness, especially among the 
clergy. 

The following is his own account of the object he 
had in view in publishing Bishop Hopkins' works : — 

" There is now a daring attempt, especially among men 
of letters, to misrepresent real Christianity, and to expose 
it to ridicule, by identifying it with the imbecilities and ex- 
travagancies of all who profess it. And this object, origi- 
nating sometimes in ignorance and sometimes in ill-will, is 
pursued with unabating perseverance. Every literary vehicle 
is pressed into the service ; from the grave volume, which 
would reason a Christian out of the creed for which his 
forefathers bled, and which supplies his only solace in life 
and death, to the flippant critique, which clothes him in a 
fool's dress, that he may be pointed at with the finger of 
scorn. 

" In such a day, it becomes a difficult but important duty 
to associate with unyielding firmness in defence of the truth 
that candid and courteous spirit which the truth inspires : 
neither to sacrifice any part of it, from timidity or a spirit of 
undue accommodation, nor to assert it against ignorant or ma- 
licious attacks with an unbecoming temper. And that author 
is of especial value whose works supply, within a moderate 
compass, the most complete refutation of whatever can be urged 



180S— 1809.] 



MORE PROJECTS. 



57 



against true religion, by exhibiting her in her most beautiful 
proportions. 

" Such an author is Bishop Hopkins. Reason is here seated 
in her majesty while she promulgates the decrees of Divine 
truth ; and Eloquence is employed in her legitimate province 
while she enforces these decrees." 

It has with much truth been remarked by the pre- 
sent Bishop of Calcutta, " that Mr. Pratt had an en- 
terprising mind, a fondness for planning schemes of 
usefulness, and great tact in framing designations and 
rules for Societies on sudden emergencies." Several 
exemplifications of the working of this propensity, 
have already appeared. His schemes, however, were 
distinguished by this excellence, that they always had 
some practical and useful end in view, and were the 
result of mature deliberation and extensive experience. 
His spirit of enterprise and his great energy would 
perhaps, in the earlier years of his career, have carried 
him beyond the bounds of prudence, had not all his 
designs been moderated and directed by a prevailing 
desire of doing good. His aim was, the advancement 
of truth, and not personal distinction, from which he 
ever shrank ; and therefore his desire for usefulness 
restrained the spirit of speculation from transgressing 
beyond its proper limits. 

Some of his projects were never made public, in 
consequence of want of leisure for bringing them to 
maturity. Among these may be mentioned a com- 
pendious and comprehensive Commentary on the 
Scriptures, which he often expressed a great desire 
to see accomplished in such a manner as — by the ap- 



58 



MORE PROJECTS. 



[Chap. IV. 



propriate quotation and combination of apposite texts 
— to make Scripture its own interpreter. Another 
scheme which he once hoped to take in hand was a 
book on Biography, especially for the use of the 
young. It appears from a fragment found among the 
few papers he left, that his design was, to bring to- 
gether examples of true conversion, wherever found. 
On a piece of paper, headed (( Hints for Preface/' the 
following unfinished notes are written : they are given 
as shewing the truly Catholic spirit which animated 
him : — 66 1 have taken the most striking examples of 
piety from various Christian communities : for though 
I am most decidedly a member and Minister of the 
Church of England, I cannot deny but that the grace 
of God, &c." — we may suppose him to add — has been 
seen in its effects to be vouchsafed to the labours and 
prayers of ministers of communions differing from our 
own. And then he proceeds : " I believe the order 
and discipline of the Church of England to be most 
apostolical ; and, when duly administered, to be at 
once best adapted to restrain the evil of the world, 
and to provide for the growth of the Church, &c." 
This plan was, however, never entered upon, for 
the same reason that the Commentary was left un- 
touched. 

When once Mr. Pratt decidedly took a matter in 
hand, he rarely let it drop. There was this happy 
circumstance attending all his schemes — with per- 
haps only one exception — that he either eventually 
carried them out completely himself, or acted the part 
of an intelligent pioneer, and cleared the way for 



1810.] 



POLYGLOT BIBLE. 



59 



others to take up and prosecute the work he had ori- 
ginated and brought to a successful beginning. 

Any mention of the unsuccessful scheme above al- 
luded to has been reserved to this place, because it 
was about this period — in 1810 — attempted a second 
time, but without any better result. As early as 1797, 
before Mr. Pratt had completed his twenty-ninth year, 
he issued a Prospectus for the publication of a Poly- 
glot Bible, in quarto, to contain the original texts, 
with various readings, the principal ancient versions, 
and the authorized English Translation. His object 
was, not the presumptuous wish, which some seem at 
the time to have imputed to him, of producing a 
substitute for the renowned work of the great Walton, 
— always looked upon as one of the literary trophies of 
our country ; but to provide a work which, from its 
comparative compactness and moderate expense, might 
find its way into the private libraries of clergymen, 
where Walton's volumes were never seen. There are 
many biblical students who derive considerable ad- 
vantage from a knowledge of the New Testament in 
its original Greek, although incompetent to become 
critics. It was, therefore, Mr. Pratt's belief, that he 
should be conferring a boon upon such persons, if he 
could render accessible the whole Scriptures in the 
original languages to that large class, who, from a 
conscious incompetency to enter upon a critical study 
of the originals, shrink from encountering the pon- 
derous and expensive volumes of Walton, but would 
nevertheless be benefited by the use of a more acces- 
sible and less formidable work. 



60 



POLYGLOT BIBLE. 



[Chap. IV. 



Walton's six volumes were published between 1653 
and 1657. Twenty seven years after this, Father 
Symon published a Synopsis of them, speaking of the 
original work as Immensum illud Polyglottorum opus. 
In 1715, Dr. Wilkins published the Targum on the 
Books of Chronicles ; and abortive schemes were pro- 
posed for publishing other works, supplementary to 
Walton's, in 1735, 1743, and 1759. " The next great 
attempt," as the biographer * of Walton calls it, was 
Mr. Pratt's, " which also failed, or was not supported." 
A severe critique on the Prospectus appeared in the 
British Critic, " not so much," as it has been said, " in 
the spirit of mending faults, as of finding them." A 
kinder notice was given in the Monthly Review, and a 
suggestion made by the writer was followed out by 
Mr. Pratt, by publishing, in 1799, specimens in octavo, 
instead of quarto. But although the design was 
strongly recommended by Bishop Barrington, and 
urged by Parkhurst and other biblical scholars, the 
whole affair fell to the ground. Much time and 
labour had been devoted during several years in pre- 
paring materials for the work, and in acquiring the 
information requisite for conducting it. Mr. Pratt 
was therefore very glad, in 1810, to have the prospect 
of his toil at length turning to account, when Dr. Adam 
Clarke renewed the attempt. The business of the 
Bible Society brought this gentleman and Mr. Pratt 
together. They drew up, in concert, a plan for the 
publication of a new edition of Walton's work, which 



* Todd's Life of Walton, Vol. I. Appendix. 



1810.] 



POLYGLOT BIBLE. 



61 



they communicated to a few literary friends. The bio- 
grapher of Dr. Clarke tells us, that — 

" A meeting was held, by appointment, at the house of Lord 
Teignmouth, in Portman Square, which was attended by his 
Lordship himself, Dr. Burgess, then Bishop of St. David's, 
Dr. Williams of Rotherham, Mr. Professor Shakespeare, Arch- 
deacon Wrangham, Rev. J osiah Pratt, and Dr. Adam Clarke. 
It was agreed that Dr. Adam Clarke should furnish a specimen 
sheet in royal folio, and another in octavo, for more convenient 
distribution. These were to be sent to persons in authority. 
Lord Teignmouth undertook to forward one to each Lay Lord ; 
the Bishop of St. David's promised to present one to every 
Lord Spiritual ; and Dr. Adam Clarke, through the Speaker, 
to put one into the hands of the different Members of the House 
of Commons. The plan was accordingly printed and distri- 
buted; and, at Dr. Clarke's suggestion, the Bishops were to be 
requested to patronise and preside over the work, and to ap- 
point all the scholars who should be employed. All appeared 
in a fair train for a successful issue. Some of the Lords Spi- 
ritual and Temporal entered warmly into the project. Dr. 
Clarke and Mr. Pratt corresponded with learned men on the 
Continent, and engaged them to undertake distinct depart- 
ments in the execution of the work. Several private gentlemen 
offered, most munificently, to supply pecuniary aid. Among 
these were Dr. Williams, of Rotherham, who promised to give 
SOI. per annum for seven years ; Mr. Spear, of Milbrook, 50/. 
per annum for ditto ; and the late Joseph Butterworth, Esq., 
501. for the same period, beside 500/. which he liberally pro- 
mised towards the expenses of the first volume. * * * But, 
alas ! from various causes which need not be particularized, it 
fell through between them." * 



Life and Labours of Adam Clarke, LL.D., Second Edition, p. 150. 



62 



POLYGLOT BIBLE. 



[Chap. IV. 



Mr. Pratt appears to have written on the subject 
to Mr. Martyn; for although no such letter is 
on record, the following reply to one has recently 
been recovered from a bundle of papers, among 
which it has lain hidden for years. It is here intro- 
duced, in a great measure, on account of the in- 
terest which attaches to every thing connected with 
the memory of the beloved writer. Two objects 
appear to have been in Mr. Pratt's mind in writing ; 
as the letter alludes not only to the Polyglot, but to 
a work which he seems to have been designing upon 
Missionary matters. We gather from this reply, that 
he applied to Mr. Martyn to furnish him with informa- 
tion from the East to assist him in compiling such a 
work. 

Rev. Henry Martyn to Rev, Josiah Pratt. 

" Bombay, Feb. 18, 1811. 

" MY DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER— 

" Your very acceptable letter of the 4th of June, 1810, 
reached me at a time when I was too busy to give it the atten- 
tion it deserved. I call it acceptable, because it seemed dic- 
tated by that affectionate regard which you always manifested 
for me, but which I thought time and distance must have 
lessened. The place, also, from which it was written gave it 
an additional interest. How I envy you the enjoyment of such 
society, the value of which, alas ! I was never sensible of till 
I moved out into the earth. 

" But now to the point. Will I, or can I, be of any use to 
you in your projected work ? That I am ready to every good 
word and work is more than I can say ; but certainly to yours 
I am willing to lend a helping hand. At present, however, I 
am not prepared ; and to prove it, I need only tell you, that 
when I had occasion to preach a sermon lately at Calcutta on 



1811.] 



LETTER FROM HENRY MARTYN. 



63 



the state of the Native Christians of India, the only information 
almost to be obtained was from printed accounts. I fully ex- 
pected, on my arrival at Goa, that I should obtain from the 
Roman-Catholic Primate of India all the information on the 
subject which I could desire ; but he was not to be seen, nor 
any one else of the Portuguese who was worth seeing. It ap- 
pears, however, from all I could learn, that I have rather un- 
derrated the Christians than overrated them, as in the Portu- 
guese territories at Goa alone there are 200,000 Christians. 
We know nothing about Christianity in India : take it in its 
most extensive sense, as the religion of all who are baptized, 
and we can do no more than guess at the extent to which it 
has spread. As to the Baptist Mission, consider what an 
office you assign me, my dear friend, in appointing me to in- 
spect it. First, I am not qualified to fill the post on account 
of distance from them, and for other reasons, such as not 
knowing the language their converts speak ; and, secondly, if 
I were able, I am not willing. You must have heard how dis- 
satisfied they are with the Chaplains, as far as I can see, with- 
out reason. What would they be if they knew that any of us 
were publishing remarks upon them in England. Besides, the 
accounts of the different Missionary Societies are printed ; and 
they, I conceive, will be your only authentic documents. If 
any thing comes to my knowledge which is not likely to appear 
in print, you shall have it. 

" I do not quite apprehend the nature of your work ; but I 
hope it will rather be to select than to collect. Sum up the 
evidence like an impartial judge ; and setting aside all that 
means nothing, direct your readers' attention to what is positive 
and substantial in the different accounts. Sometimes you may 
find puffs instead of proofs. Prick the bladder, that it may go 
down and appear with its true dimensions. Beseech all good 
men all the earth over, not to tell lies for God's sake. Let the 
Romish Missionaries do it ; but our glorious cause will stand 
without such props. Highly-coloured representations, leaving 



64 



LETTER FROM HENRY MARTYN. 



[Chap. IV. 



an impression on the mind which the fact does not justify, you 
will often find, and must, if you can, as often expose. 

" In mentioning the Polyglot you touched another fibre of 
my heart. I have not the smallest expectation of ever seeing 
it begun ; so that all I say about the subject is out of pure 
love, which would rather talk about a phantom than say no- 
thing. Well, first, you will never get the Bishops to patronize 
it, because you and Dr. Adam Clarke are not High Church ; 
nor the Universities, for they know well enough that they have 
not Biblical learning enough in their own bodies for such an 
undertaking, and, consequently, will not believe that it exists 
elsewhere. Next, what is the use of the intended Polyglot ? 
If it contain the ancient versions only, it is exclusively for the 
learned, for whom there are copies enough of the old ; and 
what improvements can there be in the new but Kennicott's 
different readings, and the last edition of the LXX ? If you 
add modern versions, the work will need our Oriental transla- 
tions before it be complete, and those you must not expect for 
some years. 

" I expect that by and by there will be two Polyglots, the 
ancient and modern. The different views which modern Euro- 
pean translators have had of different texts would throw much 
light upon them. The last Geneva version of the New Testa- 
ment, for instance, is to me a more complete commentary than 
Poole's Synopsis. They are very bold, and no doubt err 
sometimes, but they nowhere leave their text dark and am- 
biguous. 

" In your last Report you mentioned Nathaniel Sabat and 
his book. As to the latter, I throttled it at its birth ; but 
alarmed at the publicity you have given it, I have used means 
to bring it to life, and 1 am happy to say that it breathes again, 
and so do I ; but I beg you, in future, to remember the proverb 
about reckoning the chickens before they are hatched. 

" These cautions premised, my dear brother, I commend you 
to God and the word of His grace. May He grant you an 



1811.] 



LETTER FROM HENRY MARTYN. 



65 



abundant blessing on all your works and labours of love, in 
your ministry, in your family, and your own soul. 

" Believe me to be, yours ever affectionately, 

" H.. Martyn." 

This letter must have been one of the last which 
Mr. Martyn wrote before finally quitting India, as he 
embarked shortly after for Persia, where he died. 
The cheerful, and friendly, and even sportive style in 
which it is written, leaves a very pleasing impression 
upon the mind, of the amiableness of Mr. Martyn's 
character. 

The reference to a work on Missions, is the first in- 
timation anywhere found of the Missionary Register, 
a monthly periodical which Mr. Pratt projected, with 
a view of circulating information of the proceedings of 
all the principal Missionary and Bible Societies through- 
out the world, and of all other institutions which tend 
to promote the civilization and conversion of the hea- 
then. As his own letter to Mr. Martyn, seeking his 
assistance, was dated the 4th of June, 1810, the design 
appears to have been more than two years upon his 
mind, before he was able to carry it into effect. This 
may have arisen in part from the delay in the arrival 
of Mr. Martyn's answer ; for this, as the postmark 
proves, did not reach England till the 27th of March, 
1812, nearly two years after Mr. Pratt had written. 

But there were other causes which appear to have 
compelled him to defer entering upon this new occu- 
pation. In August, 1810, the Rev. Richard Cecil, after 
a protracted illness, was called away to his eternal 
rest ; and Mr. Pratt undertook to prepare his "Works" 



66 



MR. CECIL'S WORKS. 



[Chap. IV. 



for the press. He wrote a " View of Mr. Cecil's 
character/' and collected, from memoranda which he 
had made, a valuable volume of his " Remains/' being 
a series of Remarks made by Mr. Cecil on various sub- 
jects, chiefly in conversation with Mr. Pratt, or in 
discussions at the Meetings of the Eclectic Society. 
These have been published separately, with the " View 
of his character," and Mrs. Cecil's "Memoir" of her 
husband ; and the volume has gone through many edi- 
tions, and has long been esteemed as one of the most 
valuable manuals a minister can possess. Mr. Cecil's 
" Works" were published in four volumes in 1811. 

The pressure of Mr. Pratt's many engagements oc- 
casionally told upon his health, and warned him that 
he must relax for a while. Though he had a robust 
frame and a strong constitution, yet the constant strain 
upon his mind (for it should be remembered that he 
had all this time very anxious duties to perform as 
Secretary of the Church Missionary Society), and his 
necessarily sedentary habits, were enough to shake the 
powers of the strongest. With a view to recruit his 
exhausted powers, he made several walking tours at 
different times along the south coast of England, in 
company with the Rev. Dr. Fearon, or some other in- 
timate friend. 

In May, 1811, he went alone to Ramsgate for com- 
plete rest. The brief pause which this necessary ces- 
sation made in his perpetual engagements, gave him 
the opportunity of reviewing the past ; and it is in- 
teresting to be able, at this distance of time, to look 
through the medium of a private letter into his 



1811.] 



THOUGHTS IN RETIREMENT. 



67 



thoughts and feelings on the occasion. He writes to 
Mrs. Pratt as follows : — 

" Ramsgatb, May 25th, 1811. 
" I thank you sincerely for your hints in your last. An ac- 
tive and sanguine mind, with a wish to eke out my means for 
providing for my children, and a feeling that my taste and 
talents led me to book-making and editorship, have carried 
me further into mechanical details, and involved me more in 
secular occupation, than I ever anticipated, and than could well 
consist with my own personal spiritual growth. On every ac- 
count I assure you I am now setting out on the winding-up plan ; 
and though I doubt not but my Master's kingdom will con- 
tinue to be advanced, under His blessing, by those works 
which I have published, and all of which I have committed into 
His hands, when we are gathered home to Him ; yet I feel 
that He now calls me to ( give myself more to the ministry of 
the Word and to prayer.' He opens scenes of important work 
and usefulness before me : and I now pray and resolve that all 
my studies shall be subordinate to this great end. I cannot 
tell you all that has passed in my soul in this leisure and re- 
tirement; but I sincerely join you in the wish and prayer that 
we may both draw nearer to God, and live closer to Him." 

The foregoing extract gives a pleasing insight into 
the state of his mind. The following one shews his 
affectionate anxiety for his family : — 

" I have no doubt I shall return, with the blessing of God, 
all the better for the journey ; but I caught a cold yesterday in 
a very sharp east wind which we have had here. However, I 
take things very quietly ; and stroll out, and read, and write, 
and think, and then give up thinking ; and then my mind wan- 
ders to you and the children ; and ( Oh ! if I knew all were 
well ! ' breaks out ; and then I chide myself, and then I pray, 
and then praise j and thus I go on." 

In truth, from references to it in after life, and from 

f 2 



68 



THOUGHTS IN RETIREMENT. 



[Chap. IV. 



some private memoranda, it appears that this visit to 
Ramsgate was an important stage in Mr. Pratt's reli- 
gious experience. The following solemn record of his 
feelings, made at the time, implies as much : — 

Sunday, May 19, 1811.— " ****** I do feel now 
as I never did in all my life before, that if I am saved it must 
be in mere mercy. I have often said, and I have often 
preached, that we have no hope but in mercy : but I feel it 
now. Oh ! let me become a preacher and a pastor unwearied 
in tenderness and patience ! And let me feel a practical re- 
liance on Thy grace and Spirit to grant all success to the 
ministry of the Word. Let my dear wife, and every one of my 
dear children, and every member of my family, and every pre- 
cious soul under my ministry, find the benefit of Thy dealings 
with me ! O Almighty Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 
here I pour out, on Ramsgate East Pier-head, this day, the 
sincere feelings and desires of my soul ! Employ me hence- 
forward as it shall please Thee ! To Thee, in life and death, 
in time and eternity, I devote my body and my soul !" 

Such dealings of God with his soul were a special 
favour to His servant, and explain how it was that 
he maintained such fervour of spirit amid such varied 
and constant occupation. He used himself to admire 
this feature of Nehemiah's character, and sometimes 
preached upon it ; and he was enabled by grace to trans- 
cribe Nehemiah's example in a large measure into his 
own conduct. These inward experiences, moreover, 
were peculiarly seasonable at that moment : for not- 
withstanding his desire to devote himself more exclu- 
sively " to the ministry of the Word and to prayer," 
God was designing to create new and enlarged open- 
ings of usefulness, for the active exercise of those gifts 
which He had bestowed upon him. 



CHAPTER V. 

1813—1816. 

RENEWAL OF THE EAST-INDIA COMPANY'S CHARTER — EFFORTS TO GAIN FREE 
ACCESS FOR MISSIONARIES TO INDIA, AND TO ESTABLISH AN EPISCOPATE 
— EXERTIONS OF DR. BUCHANAN AND MR. PRATT — COMMENCEMENT OF 
" THE MISSIONARY REGISTER " — THE SUBJECT OF THE EAST-INDIA CHAR- 
TER BROUGHT BEFORE PARLIAMENT, AND THE EFFORTS OF THE FRIENDS 
OF MISSIONS CROWNED WITH SUCCESS— THE MISSIONARY CAUSE RECEIVES 
A NEW IMPULSE — ASSOCIATIONS ARE ORGANIZED — MR. PRATT TRAVELS 
FOR THE SOCIETY — FRIENDLY COMMUNICATION WITH OTHER MISSIO- 
NARY SOCIETIES. 

The renewal of the East-India Company's Charter in 
1813, forms an epoch in the history of modern Mis- 
sions. Some account of the Religious Movement con- 
nected with that event will find an appropriate place 
in this Memoir ; for the Church Missionary Society 
was called by its position to take a very prominent 
share in the exertions then made to obtain greater 
facilities of access to the heathen world ; and the 
energies of its Secretary were then taxed to the ut- 
most, and confessedly contributed in no small degree 
to bring about the happy result. 

The Charter which was about to expire had been 
granted by Parliament in 1793. At that time attempts 
were made, especially by Mr. Wilberforce, to obtain 
the introduction of some clauses favourable to the ad- 
vancement of useful knowledge among the inhabitants 
of British India, and tending to their moral and 
religious improvement. Nothing more, however, was 



70 



RENEWAL OF THE 



[Chap. V. 



then effected than the passing of a Resolution in the 
House of Commons, proposed by Mr. Wilberforce, 
which remained as a permanent record on the books 
of the House, serving to shew what they considered 
it would be their duty to do whenever a better oppor- 
tunity should present itself. 

This was previous to the establishment of the 
Church Missionary Society. In the mean time zeal 
in the Missionary cause had very much increased 
throughout the country ; and it was felt that, upon 
this new occasion, greater and more vigorous efforts 
should be made to open India to the Gospel. 

As Parliamentary discussions upon this subject were 
anticipated some time before the expiration of the 
then existing Charter, the friends of Missions began to 
bestir themselves in the early part of 1812 ; more than 
a year before the new Charter would be granted. 

The object they had in view was two-fold : to ob- 
tain free access for Missionaries into the British Pos- 
sessions in India ; and to promote the completion of 
the Ecclesiastical Establishment by the erection of an 
Episcopate. 

The only Protestant Mission which had in any 
measure received the countenance of the Company, 
was that which had been planted for more than a cen- 
tury on the coast of Coromandel. The admission of 
any others into the country had been regarded with a 
jealous eye. It was feared that the security of the 
empire would be endangered by the introduction of 
persons, whose avowed object was the conversion of 
the natives to the Christian faith. 



1812.] EAST-INDIA COMPANY'S CHARTER. 71 

Dr. Carey and his companions of the Baptist Com- 
munion, had gained a footing in India through the 
Danish Settlement at Serampore, near Calcutta ; and 
by their exemplary conduct and useful labours had 
conciliated the favour and esteem of the local Govern- 
ment of Bengal. But when the number, originally 
small, was reduced by death, no disposition was ma- 
nifested to allow them to replenish their strength. 
So far from it, some persons sent from England by 
way of America to re-inforce the infant Mission were 
required by the Government to quit the country ; al- 
though in no case was there the slightest impeachment 
of the propriety of their conduct, or the purity of their 
intentions. 

A very different course of policy had been pursued 
by the King's Government in Ceylon, without produc- 
ing the smallest interruption to the public tranquil- 
lity ; and thus ample proof had been afforded to the 
rulers of the continent of India, that there was really no 
sufficient ground for their fears, when weighed even 
by the principles of political expediency. The 
noble conduct of Schwartz,* so serviceable as it was 
known to have been to the State, ought to have con- 
vinced the Court how beneficially the admission of 
wise and pious men, bent upon the improvement and 
moral cultivation of the natives, would have operated 
in strengthening the foundations of the Indian empire. 
But they were inexorable ; and the unyielding oppo- 
sition thus manifested made it the more imperative, 



* See Life of Schwartz, by Dean Pearson. 



72 



EXERTIONS OF MR. PRATT, 



[Chap. V. 



that the decisive step should now be taken, of appeal- 
ing to a higher authority. 

The Society for the Promotion of Christian Know- 
ledge and the Church Missionary Society, were fore- 
most in the agitation of this memorable question. On 
the 5th of May, 1812, the first of these bodies met and 
drew up a Memorial, which was afterwards presented 
to His Majesty's Ministers and the Court of Directors. 
On the 21st of April preceding, a Special Committee 
Meeting of the Church Missionary Society took place, 
Mr.Wilberforce being in the chair ; when it was resolved 
to call a Special General Meeting of the Society on the 
24th inst. At this Meeting 400 gentlemen were present, 
including several Members of Parliament ; Lord Gam- 
bier was in the chair. A Deputation was appointed 
to seek for interviews with His Majesty's Ministers 
and the Court of Directors, and to use all available 
means of obtaining a favourable reply to their petition. 

Mr. Pratt took a very active share in these proceed- 
ings, and especially in preparing various papers upon 
India to awaken public attention. On the 1st of May 
the Committee passed a vote of thanks to him, which 
they recorded on their Minutes, " for his laborious 
exertions in promoting the object of the late Special 
General Meeting." And as it appeared necessary, 
under present circumstances, " to employ the press in 
an extensive and indefinite way," it was further re- 
solved, " that the Secretary be authorized to exercise 
his discretion therein, as circumstances may require." 

The Rev. Dr. Claudius Buchanan formerly Vice- 
Provost of the College of Fort-William in Bengal, had 



1812.] 



AND OF DR. BUCHANAN. 



73 



returned to England in 1808, and rendered most essen- 
tial service in the present movement. It was, indeed, 
by him that the necessity of a complete Ecclesiastical 
Establishment for India had been first distinctly 
pointed out in his " Memoir" on that subject in 1805. 
The original conception of this able work he attri- 
buted to the suggestion of the excellent Bishop Por- 
teus, who had (i attentively surveyed the state of our 
dominions in Asia, and expressed his conviction of the 
indispensable necessity of an Ecclesiastical Establish- 
ment for our Indian empire." * His celebrated " Chris- 
tian Researches in the East," published early in 1811, 
had roused the public attention to the spiritual wants 
of India still more. Mr. Pratt now wrote to him to pro- 
pose, that he should again take up his pen in this cause. 
He sent word, in reply, that he was already thus en- 
gaged, and was preparing a " Prospectus of an Eccle- 
siastical Establishment for British India," to be distri- 
buted among the Members of both Houses : and he 
adds — " I think two or three short addresses might 
be drawn up from these materials (the Memoir, Reso- 
lutions, and Prospectus) for the Members of Parlia- 
ment by some of your most luminous pens, every man 
in his own manner. Mr. Vansittart and Mr. Dealtry, 
for example, might each send forth a sheet, after his 
own manner ; and you and Mr. Macaulay might do 
the same. You need not give your names, and there- 
fore may say any thing you like. So you will escape, 
and I shall be willing to receive the stabs." 

The result of the interviews of the Deputation from 

* Memoir of Dr. Buchanan, by Dean Pearson, Part, II. Chap. 3, 



74 



THE MISSIONARY REGISTER. 



[Chap. V. 



the Church Missionary Society with the Prime Minis- 
ter was on the whole favourable ; but no more de- 
finite reply was obtained, as there was no intention 
of proceeding to grant a new Charter that year. The 
Committee now expressed their wish and request, 
through Mr. Pratt, to Dr. Buchanan, that he would 
avail himself of the opportunity afforded by this state 
of affairs, to press on the public and on the legislature 
the expediency and necessity of a General Colonial 
Ecclesiastical Establishment. Dr. Buchanan most rea- 
dily complied with this request ; and in a very short 
period, and under circumstances of great infirmity, 
produced the very able and learned work, intituled, 
" Colonial Ecclesiastical Establishment." 

By these means the attention of the public was 
aroused and directed towards Missionary objects. The 
opportunity was promptly seized by Mr. Pratt as a 
most important one, for starting the monthly publica- 
tion which, as we have seen, he had long contemplated ; 
and the first number of the " Missionary Register" 
appeared in January, 1813. Information on the state 
and wants of the heathen, and the efforts already 
made in their behalf, was especially needed to pro- 
mote that favourable feeling towards Missionary en- 
terprise which was rapidly on the increase. Mr. 
Pratt hoped, by his monthly periodical, in some 
measure to supply this desideratum, and to advance 
the claims of the Missionary cause in general, and of 
the Church Missionary Society in particular, on the 
prayers and benevolence of Christians. That his 
scheme promised much success was acknowledged by 



1813.] 



VISIT TO BRISTOL. 



75 



all. Dr. Buchanan writes to him, after receiving the 
first number : " Many thanks for the ' Missionary Re- 
gister/ that most useful publication. It will do much 
for your Society in a year's time." 

The zeal which was now re-animating the friends 
of the Church Missionary Society at head-quarters, 
began to communicate itself to distant parts of the 
country. Early in 1813 Mr. Pratt and his friends 
were invited to plead the cause of the heathen in one 
of the principal cities in the west of England, as the 
following close of a letter to his friend, the Rev. 
T. T. Thomason of Calcutta, will shew :— 

"London, March 22, 1813. 

"my dear friend— 

******* 

" I would say more, but am preparing to go by to-night's 
mail to Bristol, where I meet Mr. Scott, Mr. Woodd, Mr. Burn, 
and Mr. Budd, in order by Sermons, and at a Public Meeting, 
to lay the foundation of a Church Missionary Association in 
that city. We are making great exertions to extend our funds, 
because we hope for large demands from you for the service 
of India. 

" May our God spare us both as long as we can subserve 
His blessed cause ! Our dear friends [David Brown and Henry 
Martyn] have been gathered home before we thought their 
work done ; but it was not so. May we stand ready !" 

The result of this visit was highly encouraging, as 
the sum raised on this occasion was not very far short 
of the total amount received by the Parent Society 
during the previous year.* 

* The receipts of the Church Missionary Society in 1812 were 3046/, 
5s. 2d. ; the contributions from Bristol in 1813 were 23007. 



76 



THE EAST-INDIA QUESTION. 



[Chap. V. 



But during Mr. Pratt's visit to Bristol, events 
were occurring in London which demanded his imme- 
diate return. The Deputation of the Church Missio- 
nary Society appointed in 1812 had renewed their 
conferences with His Majesty's Ministers previously 
to the 22d of March, and had proposed a clause for 
insertion in the new Charter, requiring the Board 
of Commissioners for the affairs of India to grant 
licenses to suitable persons to reside there, for the 
purpose of communicating religious and moral in- 
struction to the natives. From the reception they 
met with they had anticipated a favourable result. 
The very evening he left town, Lord Castlereagh, 
the Ministerial leader of the House of Commons, 
brought forward the India business. It appeared 
from the sketch given on that occasion to be the 
plan of His Majesty's Ministers, to appoint a Bishop 
and three Archdeacons to superintend the religious 
interests of the European residents in India ; but to 
leave the subject of religion, in other respects, still 
under the control of the Directors of the East-India 
Company. The friends to the introduction of Chris- 
tianity into India were disappointed and alarmed. 
No time was to be lost in making such represen- 
tations to the Government, and also to Parliament, 
as to ensure some better success. Mr. Pratt was 
summoned to town to call together the friends of 
the cause. Immediately after delivering his Address 
at the formation of the Bristol Association, and with- 
out waiting for the close of that animating Meeting, 
he hastened to London to prepare for the struggle. 



1813.] 



THE EAST-INDIA QUESTION. 



77 



On the 13th of April, a special General Meeting of 
the Society was called to receive the report of the 
Deputation, and to take such measures thereon as 
might appear expedient at this most important crisis, 
Resolutions were unanimously passed ; and a petition 
previously drawn up, grounded thereon, was adopted 
for presentation by Mr. Wiiberforce to the House of 
Commons, and by Lord Gambier, the President of the 
Society, to the House of Lords. 

The lively and active interest which had been 
taken in this matter by the friends of the Church 
Missionary Society, during the past year, was the 
means of calling into action other bodies of Christians 
equally interested in the result. A General Meeting 
of all denominations was held at the City-of-London 
Tavern on the 29th of March, Lord Gambier in the 
chair, to petition Parliament. Meetings of the several 
bodies, and in various parts of the kingdom, rapidly 
followed. In all, between eight and nine hundred 
petitions were presented to Parliament at this time 
on this all-absorbing subject. 

Mr. Pratt exerted himself to the utmost. He laid 
himself out in drawing up resolutions, preparing state- 
ments and papers of information, in framing petitions, 
and in making arrangements for Meetings in and out 
of London. His stirring habits of business, his active 
zeal, and the esteem which all denominations of Chris- 
tians entertained for his character, made him a most 
important actor in these transactions. He preferred 
working behind the scenes, and ever shrank from pub- 
licity ; but his indefatigable labours at this crisis were 



78 



THE FINAL TRIUMPH. 



[Chap. V. 



too important, as well as too conspicuous, to escape 
observation. His friend, Dr. Buchanan, writes from a 
sick chamber, at an early stage of the movement : — 

" My retirement is sweetened by the view of the ardour 
which animates yourself and others, and by the success which 
crowns your labours in all lands." 

And upon the successful close of the struggle, the 
unusual course was resorted to, at the Thirteenth An- 
niversary of the Church Missionary Society, of passing 
a special vote of thanks to one officially connected with 
its concerns. It was 

" Moved by W. Wilberforce, Esq., seconded by Lord 
Gambier, and resolved unanimously — 
" That the sincere thanks of the Meeting be given to the 
Rev. Josiah Pratt, Secretary, for his able, diligent, and perse- 
vering zeal in the cause of the Society." 

But after all the out-door preparations were com- 
pleted, the battle had yet to be fought in the House of 
Commons. The intense interest and pre-eminently 
important share which Mr. Wilberforce took in it is 
in a lively manner depicted in his "Life." On the 
night of the 22d of June was the final triumph ; and 
to this his powerful representations and fervid elo- 
quence, under God, mainly contributed. The Bill 
which opened India to the heralds of Salvation received 
the Royal assent on the 21st of July, 1813. 

It has been already remarked that the reflex effect 
of these stirring events upon the Missionary cause was 
highly beneficial. With reference to this fact Mr. Pratt 
remarks : — 



1813.] 



ASSOCIATIONS FORMED. 



79 



" Some great events were required to rouse the public mind. 
The agitating the question respecting the opening of India to 
the influence of Christianity was of this nature. The discus- 
sions on this subject during the last two years, and the efforts 
of this Society and of other Christian bodies to awaken the 
public attention to this great act of national duty, have been 
abundantly repaid in the interest which is so generally felt on 
this subject throughout the country." 

One of the distinguishing features of his character 
was his aptness and promptitude in seizing the critical 
moment for giving a new impulse to important mea- 
sures. He was a great discerner of the signs of the times. 
We have seen that he selected this memorable year 
for commencing the " Missionary Register." The same 
reasons which seem to have brought his long-cherished 
intentions to maturity in that instance, suggested the 
importance of devising some means of calling the 
aroused attention of the Christian public into prac- 
tical activity, and he proposed the establishment of a 
system of Associations and Branch Societies or Auxi- 
liaries, throughout the country. Bristol had set a 
noble example to the whole kingdom ; and mainly 
through his influence, by a paper which he drew up 
on the subject and widely circulated, other places 
readily responded to the suggestion of establishing 
these feeders of the Parent Institution. In 1813, be- 
sides his visit to Bristol, he travelled for this purpose 
to Norwich, Ipswich, and Leicester. He writes to 
his friend Mr. Thomason : — 

" Remember that I am not only the Sedentary Secretary of 
the Society, but the Travelling Preacher; and everywhere I find 



80 



ASSOCIATIONS FORMED. 



[Chap. V. 



the hearts of our English Christians open towards India — 
everywhere the praises of God for raising up Abdool and 
Come and their fellow-labourers are heard. Shew us, as I 
have before assured you, wise plans well pursued, and we have 
every reasonable sum at your command. I will plead for India 
from Berwick-upon-Tweed to the Land's End, rather than not 
meet its just demand." 

To a Clergyman in Yorkshire, who was thinking of 
devoting himself to the work abroad, he remarks : — 

" It is a great stimulus to our hopes and expectations that 
we see such zeal kindling around us. We went to Norwich 
under great discouragement, but the result has taught us never 
to distrust God while we are labouring in His cause. The 
churches would not hold the multitudes that flocked to them. 
Let us give God all the praise, and take courage !" 

In 1814, Mr. Pratt visited Bristol, Hull, Dublin, 
Norwich, Ipswich, Birmingham, and Bedford. In 

1815, he went to Bristol, Manchester, Staffordshire, 
Derby, Norwich, Cambridge, Birmingham, Wolver- 
hampton, Darleston, Wednesbury, Rowley Regis, West 
Bromwich, Harborne, Foston, and Leicester : and in 

1816, to Colchester, Bristol, Hull, Beverley, Sherborne, 
Yeovil, Dorchester, Blandford, Oldham, Bacup in 
Rochdale, Manchester, Liverpool, Denbigh, Ruthin, 
and Llanfyllin. On these occasions it fell to the lot 
of the Society's Secretary to explain at length its ob- 
ject, constitution, and proceedings, and to urge its 
claims on Christian benevolence. In some of the 
larger places he preached in three of the churches on 
the same day, endeavouring to stir up a Missionary 
spirit by his descriptions of the wretched state of the 



1814—1815.] 



ACTIVE EXERTIONS. 



81 



heathen world, and the encouragement held out, both 
in the Word of God and in past experience, to at- 
tempt their conversion. Many able friends aided in 
the same way, and with great effect ; but Mr. Pratt 
was the mainspring of the great machine at this time, 
and it engaged all his energies, not only as officially 
connected with the Society, but as devotedly and ar- 
dently attached to the cause. 

" I congratulate you," writes the Rev. Dr. Buchanan to him 
about this time, " on the grand march of the Church Missio- 
nary Society. It, too, must keep humble, for you have enough 
to make you proud. A chief means of its success recently has 
no doubt been its being principally directed by one man." 
He adds somewhat hyperbolically, in illustration — " Where 
there is zeal, high responsibility, judgment, and capacity, a 
king is always better for an infant institution than a republic." 

Few persons beyond the members of his immediate 
family circle were at all aware of what these public 
exertions cost him. He was naturally of a retiring 
cast of mind, and nothing but a strong sense of duty, 
and an ardent and untiring zeal in promoting, by all 
means, the great objects he had at heart, could have 
drawn him forth from the retirement of his study. 
Practice, in a measure, lightened the burden ; and 
habit took off the keenness of this natural repugnance 
to publicity, which would otherwise have been intole- 
rable to him. The writer of a periodical about that 
time used an expression regarding him, which had 
more truth in it than the writer was perhaps aware. 
He said that Mr. Pratt's " constitutional modesty" had 
prevented his giving to the world more than two or 

G 



82 



INCREASED FUNDS. 



[Chap. V. 



three occasional printed sermons. This was so really 
true, while at the same time so apparently untrue, 
from his constant practice of conducting Committees, 
preaching, speaking at Public Meetings, and leading 
the conversation in large parties, that the words were 
adopted as a frequent pleasantry between him and his 
family. As the Society's concerns extended, and the 
duties of its officers were necessarily subdivided, he 
gladly withdrew from the travelling, having borne the 
burden and heat of the day : and this " constitutional 
modesty " was then allowed to have its sway ; for once 
" out of harness," as he called it, his friends could not 
persuade him to take even occasional journeys ; and 
from the period when this release was effected, the 
only two places which he visited w T ere Birmingham, his 
native town, and one of the Associations in the imme- 
diate neighbourhood of London, where he had been 
persuaded to make a kind of promise of an annual 
visit, combining the Missionary Anniversary, and a 
pastoral visit to a family who had many years attended 
his ministry. 

These efforts tended greatly to increase the Society's 
income. While in 1812 it had reached 3000/., in 1813 
it became more than four times that amount ; and it 
afterwards steadily increased, in five years, to more 
than double, and in ten years to more than treble the 
sum it had attained in 1813. 

But there was an indirect effect of these exertions, 
as great, if not greater, than this direct result. That 
Mr. Pratt was fully sensible of this, the following re- 
marks will shew : — 



1S13.] 



MR. PRATT'S TONE OF PREACHING. 



83 



" Indispensable as the augmentation of the Society's funds 
is to the extension of its foreign exertions, yet the interest 
which is excited is a benefit of another and a higher order. 
The awful condition of the heathen world is made known : the 
perishing state of our sixty or seventy millions of fellow-sub- 
jects begins to be understood : the obligation under which we 
lie of imparting to them and to all men the inestimable trea- 
sures of the Gospel is felt on all sides : the honour of our Di- 
vine Saviour is seen to be involved in the winning of conquests 
for Him from the empire of sin. These topics animate, more 
than they ever did, the public ministrations of our Church : 
they are carried home with us to our families ; they enter into 
the daily prayers which we offer with them to the Father of 
mercies ; and we bear them on our hearts in our secret ap- 
proaches to His throne."* 

The influence which these great events had upon 
Mr. Pratt was very manifestly shewn in the tone which 
they gave to his preaching. It has been remarked by 
his friends, that — partly from the native vigour of his 
mind being thus called forth, and partly from his 
sermons being less elaborate and more experimental in 
their character, and delivered with a simpler depen- 
dence on Divine aid — his ministry acquired far more 
life and energy than it had hitherto possessed. It 
assumed, likewise, a more eminently Missionary cha- 
racter. Thus, in addition to his more direct labours 
for the Missionary cause, he was made extensively 
useful in inciting others to interest themselves in be- 
half of the multitudes living and dying in heathen 
darkness. The effect which his preaching had in 
this respect upon the mind of Sir Fowell Buxton (who 



Fourteenth Report of the Church Missionary Society, p. 280. 
G 2 



84 



SIR FOWELL BUXTON. 



[Chap. V. 



was, as we have seen, one of Mr. Pratt's congregation 
at Wheler Chapel) was most important in its results, 
and is thus adverted to in the funeral sermon above 
mentioned : — 

" Mr. Pratt's mind was peculiarly filled with the urgent 
claims which a perishing world presented on the sympathies of 
Christians. Being the Secretary of the Church Missionary 
Society, he had gradually drunk deep of a Missionary spirit. 
And in his ministry he very constantly urged on his hearers at 
this time, that having secured their own salvation, they should 
employ whatever talents and opportunities it might please God 
to give them in the promotion of the kingdom of His Son. 
These constant appeals made a great impression on Mr. Bux- 
ton's mind when, after his recovery, he was enabled again to 
attend here. In a letter of a recent date [1839], which he ad- 
dressed to the late Rev. Josiah Pratt, with reference to the 
Niger Expedition, he wrote : ' My impressions and anxieties 
with regard to Africa, and my desire for the spread of the Go- 
spel, were planted in my mind in Wheler Chapel.' " 

The other Societies formed for the evangelization of 
the world were likewise endeavouring, during this pe- 
riod, to awaken a deeper interest in behalf of the hea- 
then. The main barriers which had hitherto kept India 
fast closed against the Missionary were removed, and 
a new spirit of activity seemed to be infused into all 
denominations of Christians. Devotedly attached as 
Mr. Pratt was to his own Society, and, from convic- 
tion, a consistent member of the Church of England, 
he nevertheless looked with pleasure upon the active 
operations of all bodies who had the same cause at 
heart — the conversion of the heathen from darkness 
and idolatry to the light of Christ. But the concur- 



1814.] 



THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 



85 



rent activity of these various Societies sometimes gave 
rise to questions, which it required no little wisdom and 
moderation to settle. The following letter will shew 
how Mr. Pratt acted in one of these cases. 

It seems that at Cork some pious members of the 
Established Church had become interested in the 
cause of Missions, through the reports which they 
had read of operations abroad ; and they had formed 
themselves into a Society for the purpose of raising 
funds jointly for the Church Missionary and the Lon- 
don Missionary Societies, under the impression, it 
would appear, that they had equal claims upon mem- 
bers of the Church. Upon the transmission of a moiety 
of the first year's receipts of this Society, and a copy 
of the rules, he writes : — 

To the Rev. II I . 

" Church Missionary House, 
" Salisbury Square, London, March 9, 1814. 

" MY DEAR SIR — • 

" From a sincere wish to live in harmony with other Mis- 
sionary Societies, we regret to see that the (London) Missio- 
nary Society is putting forth pretensions to the support of the 
Church, which have a tendency to embroil us with them, un- 
less we continue to make sacrifices for the sake of peace. 
With that support which they receive from the individual be- 
nevolence of Churchmen we have no wish to interfere : their 
lists will shew that many of us contribute to their funds. But 
we do object to their claiming support from embodied Church- 
men, on whose support they have, from similarity of principle, 
very little more claim than the Baptist Missions, much less 
than those of the Wesleyan Methodists, and very far less than 
those of the United Brethren. Other bodies agree to act at 
home within their own sphere, and thus they secure harmony 



86 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. V. 



and good-will with fellow Societies; and when our Missio- 
naries get abroad, the world is wide enough for them with- 
out interference with one another. The Baptists have circu- 
lated a Paper, in which they state, ' We wish our Collectors 
not to attempt urging any persons to subscribe to our Mission 
whose connections would naturally lead them to give the pre- 
ference to other Societies.' This is the true Christian spirit, 
and will succeed best, even as a matter of policy. The Hiber- 
nian General Missionary Society wished to save us the expense 
and trouble of travelling in Ireland ; but Mr. Tracy travelled 
there, .and Societies for the Counties of Tyrone, Down, Antrim, 
and Armagh, embracing Churchmen of high station, are in full 
and exclusive connection with the (London) Missionary Society, 
with no intimation to such Churchmen that a Society exists 
in their own body. And at Cork, when the natural course 
is about to be given to principles and feelings, they are ar- 
rested, and half is diverted, where the whole cannot be. 1 
learn, by a letter just received from Mr. Trayer of Dublin, 
that the Hibernian gets on slowly, in consequence of the direct 
connection formed hetween the {London) Missionary Society and 
parts of Ireland. Besides, the appropriation of their funds 
according to the supposed wants and merits of the different 
Societies will lead to heartburnings ; and even the equal divi- 
sion of those of the Cork Society will lead to invidious com- 
parisons. Dr. Austen informs me, that he has united himself 
to the Cork Society, as the Bishop would not countenance a 
Society in direct connection with ours, unless ours was sanc- 
tioned by the English Bishops. But is not the plan you have 
adopted shutting the door against your Bishops ? We are 
gradually making our way to the Bench here : one Bishop has 
already joined us ; more, we trust, will follow. The Dean of 
Wells (very probably near the Bench) preaches our next Anni- 
versary Sermon. Only give us time. 

" We are strongly urged to attempt the establishment of an 
Association or Auxiliary Society in Dublin, in direct connection 



1814.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



87 



with us ; and we are assured of support from some high quar- 
ters. Such a Society, if it yielded us but little money, would 
afford us the means of making known throughout Ireland the 
existence, the proceedings, and the claims of our Society. I 
write to you with full confidence, because you have already 
given us proof that you view things much in the light in which 
I have stated them. We wish to live in good fellowship with 
all other bodies, and are determined to act up to the full spirit 
of that command, ( As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with 
all men :' and it is because we see a prolific source of jealousies 
and ill-will opened, that we are anxious to close it before the 
herdmen of Isaac and the herdmen of Gerar begin to quarrel. 
We shall be much obliged by your free sentiments on this sub- 
ject : and that you would inform us how far an Hibernian Church 
Missionary Auxiliary Society for Africa and the East, would 
receive support within your circles." 

That Mr. Pratt was influenced by no ill-will in 
writing in this strain, but by a desire of fair dealing 
and mutual friendship, is further apparent from the 
following letters to the Secretaries of the London and 
Baptist Missionary Societies ; in which he manifests 
his desire that the various Societies should bring their 
claims before the public without the appearance of 
mutual opposition. 

To the Rev. George Burder. 

" Church Missionary House, 

" Salisbury Square, July 24, 1814. 

" MY DEAR SIR— 

" We have had a correspondence with our friends at Man- 
chester several months since on the establishment of a Church 
Missionary Association there, but waived it on account of the 
state of trade. This correspondence was renewed lately, and 
it was settled that about the middle of July we should visit 
Manchester. My absence in Ireland, however, occasioned 



88 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap.V. 



delay; and then, finding that your Society's friends were to be 
thereon the 31st, we again deferred our visit — though that was 
the day on which we were invited to occupy the pulpits of 
various churches — as we cannot think of even appearing to clash 
together. For though the main support of both Societies must 
be looked for from the members of those communions which 
constitute the great body of each, yet there are opulent and 
liberal persons on all sides, who will be glad, after rendering 
their first support to their own Societies, to give of their abun- 
dance to others ; and it would be improper and injurious to the 
interests of both Societies, and to the extension of His kingdom 
whom we all serve, to meet together in the same place, I 
think it would be well for you and me to confer together occa- 
sionally on this subject. Both Societies will, ere long, have 
its connections and Associations in all the most populous 
places ; and it would be desirable that such a distance (of from 
two to six months) should occur between our respective visits, 
as may leave such friends of either Society, as may wish to 
lend the other any aid, to feel at liberty to do so. 

" Mr. Saunders is now travelling for the Society in the North, 
and Mr. Woodd in Devonshire and Cornwall. Mr. Richmond 
will soon begin for us in Yorkshire. But I do not perceive 
that our arrangements will interfere with yours, so far as you 
have mentioned them." 

To the Rev. James Hinton. 

" Church Missionary House, Jan. 27, 18 10. 

" MY DEAR SIR 

" Accept our sincere thanks for your brotherly offer of co- 
operation, and our assurances that we desire to maintain a 
similar spirit. I may be allowed to add, that your Society has 
adopted that line of conduct towards others — in maintaining its 
own distinct character, while it leaves other bodies to maintain 
theirs — which is the most direct means, and the surest pledge, 
of mutual concord and charity." 



CHAPTER VI. 

1813—1817. 

COMMENCEMENT OF THE INDIAN MISSION ABDOOL MESSEEH — TWO ENGLISH 

CLERGYMEN AND TWO LUTHERANS ARE SENT OUT BY THE SOCIETY 

CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. SIMEON APPOINTMENT OP THE FIRST 

BISHOP OF CALCUTTA — QUESTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE EXTENT OF THE 
BISHOP'S AUTHORITY — HE CONSIDERS HIMSELF UNAUTHORIZED TO ORDAIN 
NATIVE CONVERTS OR TO LICENSE MISSIONARIES — ABDOOL MESSEEH AND 

MR. BOWLEY RECEIVE LUTHERAN ORDINATION MR. CORRIE's VISIT TO 

ENGLAND — SEVEN MORE ENGLISH CLERGYMEN ARE SENT OUT — LETTERS 
OF MR. PRATT TO THE MISSIONARIES. 

For several years before the renewal of the East-India 
Company's Charter in 1813, the Church Missionary 
Society had turned its attention to the East ; and it 
had assisted, by grants of money, a translation of the 
Scriptures into Arabic for the use of the Mahomedans 
in India, as well as on the West Coast of Africa, where 
the Society's first efforts were being carried on. Its 
earliest attempts to propagate a knowledge of the 
Gospel in India by living teachers were made in 
1812, when a plan was devised for establishing Readers 
of the Scriptures in the native tongues, in the most 
populous towns, till regular Missionaries could be 
sent. This scheme met the full approval of the friends 
of the Society in Calcutta. The Rev. David Brown 
writes to Mr. Pratt : — " It is a plan that has been on 
my mind some years, and has been entirely approved 
by several judicious friends in different parts of 
India." 

Abdool Messeeh, a converted Mahomedan of good 



90 



ABDOOL MESSEEH. 



[Chap. VI. 



family, was employed by the Society in this capa- 
city. After his conversion, under the teaching of 
Mr. Martyn, he accompanied that devoted man as 
far as Calcutta, when on his journey to embark 
for Persia. He was baptized in Calcutta by Mr. 
Brown ; and about a year after returned up the 
country in company with the Rev. Daniel Corrie, 
afterwards Bishop, who was appointed Chaplain of 
Agra. Here he was employed as the Society's Reader 
and Catechist among his Heathen and Mahomedan 
countrymen. His labours were greatly blessed ; and 
others, converted by his means, were afterwards found 
qualified to aid him in his work. " The hand of God," 
writes Mr. Thomason, " seems to be peculiarly mani- 
fested. When your Society was bursting forth with 
new splendour at home, w r ork was preparing for them 
abroad. Corrie and Abdool seem to be the very in- 
struments you want." 

Mr. Pratt took a very lively interest in this remark- 
able man, justly regarding him as one of the most 
promising first-fruits of the spiritual harvest which 
the true friends of India hoped ultimately to reap. 
The following extract from a letter which he ad- 
dressed to him between three and four years after 
his baptism, and two or three years after he became 
engaged as a Reader of the Society, furnishes a spe- 
cimen of the affectionate interest and godly jealousy 
with which he w T atched his proceedings : — 

" And now, my dear brother in Christ our Lord, I commend 
you to God and the word of His grace. Should we never meet 
in this world, we shall meet, I trust, in that glorious company, 



1813—1817.] 



ABDOOL MESSEEH. 



91 



who will be ' before the throne, having passed through much 
tribulation and washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.' 
My time is taken up from morning to evening every day in 
trying, as God enables me, to promote the kingdom of our 
Lord ; and such is your employ ! Let us both ' cleave to the 
Lord with purpose of heart.' Let us remember that our 
Saviour will prepare us by His Spirit for His heavenly king- 
dom, in the way of prayer and watchfulness, in the study of 
His word for the edification of our own souls, and in continual 
regard to His dispensations towards us. May He discover - 
more and more to you your own depravity, and keep you hum- 
ble, teachable, and simple-minded ! May Christ our Saviour 
reveal to you continually His own grace and that fulness which 
is in Him ! May the Holy Spirit enlighten you more and more 
in the knowledge of Christ ! Oh ! my Christian Brother, let 
me encourage you to walk with J esus, as a friend walks with 
a friend ! When I can do this, then am I happy and my work 
prospers. May His wisdom guide you, His righteousness 
clothe you, His spirit sanctify you, and His full and eternal re- 
demption crown you ! May you be enabled from your heart to 
say with blessed Paul, ' The life I now live in the flesh I live 
by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself 
for me !' 

" Believe me, Dear Brother, 

" Yours, in the bonds of Christian love, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

The journals of Abdool's proceedings were always 
looked for with avidity, as they tended greatly to give 
a reality to the importance and hopefulness of Missio- 
nary work in the East. In forwarding some of these 
interesting documents from Mr. Corrie, Mr. Tho ma- 
son writes to Mr. Pratt : — 



92 



HOPEFUL PROSPECTS. 



[Chap. VI. 



" Bee. 7, 1813. 

" I have been feasting on the thought of the satisfaction you 
will all derive from these interesting details. Abdool proves a 
steady, zealous, humble labourer. Corrie has increasing com- 
fort in him, and the work prospers. Surely we have every en- 
couragement to labour. I know not how these things will 
appear to you in England; but we in this remote corner, — com- 
paring the great efforts now making by the nation for obtaining 
facilities to Missionary labours in India with the work actually 
begun and in progress, hopeful progress — cannot but acknow- 
ledge the gracious hand of Providence. You are labouring for 
us there, and God is shewing you that there is really work to 
be done here. Thus, whilst the labourers are preparing, the 
fields are becoming white. This new day rejoices our hearts 
greatly : a new day it may be called ; for never before has the 
Gospel been attended with such remarkable effects in this 
quarter. Learned Mussulmans have been peculiarly stubborn 
hitherto : now they have been made to bend, as you will per- 
ceive in more recent instances at Agra. And I have a strong 
hope that we shall see greater things done. The tidings of 
Abdool must have arrived amidst all your noble exertions, and 
must have enforced the arguments of those who contend for the 
prudent exercise of Missionary zeal. Doubtless we must ex- 
pect opposition ; and soon, perhaps, severe trials will arise : 
but we may safely leave events to God. Our business is, in 
faith and prayer to cast in the seed, and to leave the Great 
Head of the Church to prosper His own work. 

"The simple, modest, statements of Corrie will gratify 
you much. The story speaks for itself. I have ventured to 
suggest to him the necessity for waiting a little longer before 
the new converts are baptized, lest we should be ashamed of 
our confidence. He is, however, greatly my superior in all 
wisdom and Missionary graces, and needs no help from me. 
Perhaps the caution might have come from your Society ; and 



1813.] MR. SCHNARRE AND MR. RHENIUS. 93 

I mean only to shew that it has been anticipated. I have 
more to say, which I must send by the regular packet. 

" Yours, affectionately, 

" Thomas Thomason." 

But the successful termination of the arduous con- 
test of 1813 opened a door for the admission of Mis- 
sionaries into India, of which the Society were now 
especially desirous to avail themselves. Mr. Pratt 
writes on the 12th of August, 1813, to his friend Mr. 
Thomason : — 

" I am happy to announce to you that the bill for renewing 
the Charter of the [East-India] Company has passed with such 
provisions as will, we trust, gradually open India to wise and 
pious men. Two excellent young Lutheran Clergymen, the 
Rev. Mr. Schnarre and the Rev. Mr. Rhenius, educated and 
ordained in Berlin, and destined by us for Africa, have been 
diverted from that destination, in order that they may proceed 
to the Peninsula to join their venerable countryman, Dr. John 
[of the Tranquebar Mission], in superintending his schools. 
His ( Indian Civilization' has been printed here. I inclose a 
copy. Colonel Macaulay called our attention to the subject. 
We purpose to apply for leave for them to sail by the Spring 
ships, and trust we shall succeed. 

" The establishment of these young men in such a situation, 
and that of others who may perhaps follow them, will require 
the superintending aid of an Auxiliary Society, which may be 
the medium of communication between us and our different 
concerns in India. Earl Moira [the new Governor-General] 
has expressed his favour towards our object ; and would, in all 
probability, take the head of such an Institution. The late dis- 
cussions on the subject of India, and the spirit which has been 
excited throughout the country, are both a call and a help to 
us, in more widely extending the usefulness of the Society. 



94 



FOUR MISSIONARIES 



[Chap. VI. 



Bristol, as you will see, has done munificently, and other places 
are following." 

Two Clergymen of the Church of England — the Rev. 
Thomas Norton and the Rev. William Greenwood — 
were also at this time preparing for Missionary work 
in India. There was some delay in their departure, 
owing to the necessity of their serving curacies at 
home, as at that time there were no facilities for ordi- 
nation at home or abroad for service in the Missionary 
field. There were, doubtless, some advantages to be 
derived from the exercise of their ministry for a time 
among elder brethren, but it was not unattended with 
a danger which seems to have been sensibly felt by 
Mr. Pratt. He writes to one of them : — 

" I have been thinking that it might be very desirable for 
you to have a few good books on Missionary subjects, such as 
Brainerd, &c, in order to keep alive your feelings toward your 
great work : but I know not how your time is occupied, and 
whether you have opportunity for any thing more than your 
pastoral and public duties, and that private study which is ne- 
cessarily connected with your ministry. Let me know how 
you are situated in this respect. 

" Let your closet, and your knees, and your Bible, have 
much to do with you. Look forward to your great employ ; 
and keep alive, by meditation and prayer, a feeling of commi- 
seration for the wretched heathen, and of zeal for your Saviour's 
honour in their salvation." 

On the 7th of January, 1814, these four Missionary 
brethren — the two Clergymen of the Church of Eng- 
land and the two Lutherans — received their instruc- 
tions at a General Meeting of the Society, called toge- 



1814 ] 



SENT TO INDIA. 



95 



ther at Freemasons' Hall for the special purpose. It 
was an occasion of deep interest, for these were the 
first Missionaries of the Church of England who were 
sent forth to preach among the heathen 66 the unsearch- 
able riches of Christ ;" and it was the Church Missio- 
nary Society which had the honour of carrying this 
great design into effect. 

An able Address to the Missionaries was drawn up 
by the Rev. Dr. Claudius Buchanan, but, in conse- 
quence of ill health, delivered by his friend the Rev. 
Dr. Dealtry ; and soon after this important Meeting, 
the brethren embarked upon their high errand. 

The friends of Missions began now, with new hopes, 
to turn their eyes to the Universities for help in the 
large field opened in the East. There were many 
friends of the cause resident in these seats of learning ; 
and in one of them was a friend who had long taken 
a peculiar interest in the spiritual good of India, and 
had exerted his influence in concurrence with that 
noble character, Mr. Charles Grant, to procure fit 
men to fill the appointments of Chaplains. He had 
kept up a constant correspondence with Martyn, and 
Corrie, and Thomason, and to all of them, it need 
scarcely be said, he was most sincerely attached. The 
following characteristic note from this remarkable 
man will shew the avidity with which he looked for 
tidings from the East : — 

Rev. Charles Simeon to Rev. Josiah Pratt. 

" MY DEAR FRIEND — 

" I have received a line from Mr. Thomason, saying that im- 
portant letters for me are entrusted to you. Have you received 



96 



REV. CHARLES SIMEON. 



[Chap. VL 



them ? and have you sent them to me ? I shall lose the oppor- 
tunity of answering them by the ship that is going out if you 
do not forward them immediately. 

" Pray lose not a post, but send them as soon as pos- 
sible to 

" Your impatient Friend, 

" C. Simeon. 

" Kings College, Cambridge, Aug. 20, 1814." 

To this ardent friend of India's evangelization, who 
had been so instrumental in obtaining good Chaplains, 
Mr. Pratt applied, as best able and most likely to 
supply the want which was now pressing upon the 
Society. 

To the Rev. Charles Simeon. 

" Church Missionary House, Aug. 22, 1814. 

" MY DEAR FRIEND 

* * * -x- * * * 

" We are anxious to obtain one or two Clergymen, well- 
informed and able men, to enter into the great work of God 
which is carrying on at Agra. They must not go out from us 
as an East-India Company's Chaplain would go, with the de- 
sign to do the work of his Master as a Chaplain, and then 
return with something of a provision for life, hardly earned and 
justly deserved ; but they must go forth with the full spirit of 
Missionaries. They shall be supported (I speak in the name 
and with the authority of the Committee) in every respect as an 
able, learned, and devoted Missionary of the Church of Eng- 
land ought, under the circumstances in which they may be 
placed, to be supported. To the great work of God, which 
is so prosperously advancing in the world, it is supposed that 
they entirely devote themselves. If they do, neither wife nor 
children will be disregarded by the Society. Now it is a few 
such men that we want, and you, my dear friend, will (as I am 



1814.] 



THE FIRST BISHOP OF CALCUTTA. 



97 



sure you yourself will see) greatly help forward the work of 
God, if you can point out such men. 

" Believe me ever yours, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

It is a lamentable fact, that this and similar ap- 
peals to these nurseries of the Church have hitherto 
never met with the success which might justly have 
been looked for. Individual instances might be 
shewn of self-devotedness, but the number has not 
been great. 

But a responsible duty had now fallen to the lot of 
His Majesty's Ministers in the appointment of a fit 
man to fill the arduous and untried post of first 
Bishop of Calcutta. The best friends of India awaited 
the decision with much anxiety. Dr. Middleton, 
Archdeacon of Huntington, was preferred to the im- 
portant See. He was Vicar of the large parish of St. 
Pancras, in which Mr. Pratt resided. The Arch- 
deacon and he had always been on the most friendly 
terms ; but their intercourse had been almost wholly 
confined to interviews at Vestry Meetings of the pa- 
rish, where Mr. Pratt was one of the main supporters 
of his Vicar, for whose talents and active benevolence 
he entertained the highest regard; to which was 
afterwards superadded a strong sense of the fidelity 
and zeal with which he discharged his high office in 
India. But Dr. Middleton had never been in any 
way connected with the Church Missionary Society ; 
and therefore it remained to be seen, what part he 
would take in reference to its proceedings in the 
diocese to which he was now appointed. 

H 



98 



QUESTIONS AS TO THE EXTENT 



[Chap. VI. 



Two questions speedily arose regarding the extent 
of authority committed to the Bishop by his letters 
patent. The first referred to his power of ordaining 
Native Converts to the ministry ; the other to the 
adaptation of the Canons of the Church at home to 
the altered circumstances of the East. Mr. Pratt had 
always looked forward to the rearing of a Native 
Ministry wherever Missions were planted. 66 India/' 
he writes to his friend Mr. Thomason, " must be won 
to the faith chiefly by the instrumentality of her own 
sons; and when God's time of full mercy to her is 
come, we shall see multitudes of natives, like-minded 
with Abdool Messeeh and other labourers, stepping 
forward to the work." The appointment of a Bishop 
to India had, therefore, awakened a lively hope that 
some of the Readers employed by the Society might 
now be prepared for ordination ; but this hope was 
sadly damped for a time. Bishop Middle ton con- 
ceived that his letters patent, properly interpreted, 
gave him no authority to ordain natives of India ; and 
soon after he embarked the friends of the Church 
Missionary Society were alarmed upon learning that 
this was the view taken of the matter by some influ- 
ential persons at home. 

In reply to a question put by Mr. Thomason re- 
garding the ordination of the Readers, Mr. Pratt 
writes as follows : — 

" I am very sorry to learn that Mr. Corrie's health is so in- 
different that it seems doubtful whether he must not visit 
Europe. In this case, the question put to us respecting the 
ordination of our Readers becomes one of immediate impor- 



1814.] 



OF THE BISHOP'S AUTHORITY. 



99 



tance. We have some fears that it is meant to restrict the 
English Bishop from ordaining natives. If so, the Committee 
will exert themselves to procure the removal of this most im- 
politic and most unseemly restriction. If, however, it should 
be found, on his arrival in India, that, either from necessity or 
choice, he declines the service which may be asked of him, you 
have a resource in the Lutheran Clergymen, whose ordination, 
as you know, has been admitted by the Society for Promoting 
Christian Knowledge. But still it seems highly desirable not 
to recur to them till every means for obtaining unequivocal 
Episcopal ordination shall have been tried." 

The restriction regarding the power of the Bishop 
to confer Holy Orders on Native Converts has long 
since been removed. But Bishop Middleton never felt 
at liberty to change the opinion he first formed upon 
this subject ; and therefore, during the seven years 
and a half of his episcopate, the door was entirely 
closed for the admission of Abdool Messeeh and his 
companions into the sacred ministry in connection 
with the Church to which they belonged. 

Thus disappointed in any immediate prospect of 
training a Native Ministry in the Church of England, 
the Society were obliged to content themselves with 
Lutheran ordination ; and on the 3d of October, 1820, 
Abdool was set apart to the office by the Lutheran 
Missionaries then in Calcutta. A few months pre- 
viously to this another of the Society's Readers, Wil- 
liam Bowley, a country-born young man, and who, as 
is well known, became one of the most intelligent and 
devoted of the Society's Missionaries, received Luthe- 
ran Orders in the Dutch Church of Chinsurah. When 
the doubt regarding ordination was removed, upon 

H 2 



100 QUESTIONS AS TO THE EXTENT [Chap. VI. 

the appointment of Bishop Middle ton's successor, both 
Abdool and Mr. Bowley were episcopally ordained, as 
the difficulty of licensing Missionaries was at the same 
time overruled ; and it was considered right, for the 
sake of uniformity and discipline, that such Missionaries 
as were not unwilling to make the change should be 
re-ordained according to the forms of that Church 
to which the Society belonged. 

With regard to the other question which has been 
adverted to, the friends of Missions were for a time 
to suffer still further disappointment, as to the advan- 
tages expected to accrue from the erection of the 
See of Calcutta. It was justly regarded by the 
Church Missionary Society as a very great step gained 
in the renewal of the Charter — and it was one to 
which their own exertions had greatly contributed — 
that the English Church was now established in its 
integrity in the British Possessions in the East. But 
in carrying out this great and important measure 
some details in the arrangements had been over- 
looked, either from haste and inexperience, or left to 
be supplied as circumstances should require. It was 
found that, in several respects, the Canons were not 
applicable to the circumstances of a Missionary Church. 
The Missionaries were sent out, under the authority 
and protection of the new Charter, to labour among 
the heathen, and not to confine their ministrations to 
a settled Christian congregation. The Bishop felt 
unable, therefore, to extend his official licence even to 
those of them who had received ordination in the 
Church of England, in consequence of the peculiarity 



1814.] 



OF THE BISHOP'S AUTHORITY. 



10L 



of their duties, which were in no way contemplated 
in the framing of the Canons. And for this reason, as 
they were without his licence, he felt under the pain- 
ful necessity of refusing to recognise even their occa- 
sional ministrations to English congregations which 
came within his jurisdiction, and which, from the 
paucity of Chaplains, would, without these voluntary 
services, in many instances have been wholly deprived 
of the public means of grace. 

The conduct of the Bishop under the embarrassing 
circumstances in which he felt himself placed, and his 
evident desire to do what he could to mark his ap- 
proval of Missionary operations, are happily adverted 
to by Mr. Pratt in a sermon which he preached twenty 
years later, at the consecration of the friend to whose 
Missionary exertions allusion is made in the following 
extract : — 

" Never will the preacher forget that admiration of Bishop 
Middleton's spirit which was awakened in his mind, when, in 
his Lordship's Primary Charge, struggling under the restric- 
tions which his appointment seemed to lay on him and his 
clergy, and yet anxious to find some method by which they 
could reconcile efforts in behalf of the heathen perishing 
around them with their almost exclusive appointment to the 
service of the Europeans under their care, he exultingly held 
forth the then Chaplain of Agra as a model to his brethren, in 
uniting an anxious and active concern for the surrounding 
heathen with a faithful and vigilant discharge of his duties as 
Chaplain." * 



* In the passage of the Charge here alluded to, the Bishop says, 
" Among the Missionary proceedings of the present day, I have met with 

none 



102 



THE CANONS. 



[Chap. VI. 



The difficulties arising from the want of adaptation 
of the Canons and Ecclesiastical Law of England to the 
peculiar circumstances of Missionary operations still 
exist, though they are not allowed to interfere in any 
practical way with the working of the Missions. In- 
deed, Bishop Middleton himself, who at first felt the 
difficulties to be peculiarly great, was (as we shall see) 
preparing to make concessions on this point at the 
time when death removed him from his arduous and 
important office. Whenever Missionary districts shall, 
by the blessing of God upon the labours of His servants, 
pass out of their present transition state, and become 
settled Christian communities and fixed parochial 
charges, the Canons will again become as applicable 
to them as to us at home. But, in the meantime, a 
new code, applicable to the transition state, is a desi- 
deratum, and one the importance of which Mr. Pratt 
often insisted on, as we shall have future opportuni- 
ties of shewing. 

The failure of Mr. Corrie's health, referred to in 
the extract of the letter last quoted, brought him to 
England in 1815. Upon this occasion commenced 
that affectionate intimacy between him and Mr. Pratt, 
which continued through so many years, and which 
death alone interrupted. 

The time of Mr. Corrie's visit to England was most 
opportune, coming as it did so soon after the attention 



none which have been conducted with a happier combination of zeal and 
judgment than one of your own body has displayed." (In a Note) " The 
Rev. Mr. Corrie, of Agra." 



1815.] 



MR. CORRIE. 



103 



of the public to Missions had been aroused by the 
discussions upon the renewal of the Company's Char- 
ter. Having been a witness of the miseries of the hea- 
then, his testimony, wherever he travelled in behalf 
of the cause of Missions, came with peculiar weight. 
And, as Mr. Pratt subsequently wrote of him, " he 
wrought such an impression by his own tenderness 
and simplicity of spirit, that the love of the souls 
of the heathen has been, by the blessing of God on his 
labours, deeply infixed in the hearts of multitudes." 

To the Rev. Joseph Parson, one of the Company's 
Chaplains, he writes as follows : — 

"April 11, 1817- 

"Of the effect of our dear friend Mr. Corrie's visit to this 
country, in bringing us more intimately acquainted with the 
actual condition of things in India, and in diffusing still more 
widely a steady and holy zeal for the honour of our Lord in 
that region, I am almost afraid of speaking, lest you should 
think us too sanguine. But he carries back to India an im- 
pression of what he has seen and heard, which I earnestly 
pray God may have its full influence on all your minds. * * * 
Thousands, and, I may say, tens of thousands of Christians 
in our Church are here praying for India, and giving both of 
their substance and of their poverty, and are looking with 
longing eyes for the enlightening and conversion of its count- 
less multitudes. 

" My dear Sir, if the scenes around you, and the climate, 
and the circumstances in which you are placed, have a con- 
tinual tendency to dishearten and weaken your hopes and your 
efforts, we do earnestly call on all our friends, in the name 
of the Lord, to take courage, and to employ every talent for 
the advancing of His kingdom. You are supported by much 
love, and by many prayers, and by strong faith among us here ; 



104 



LETTERS TO MISSIONARIES. 



[Chap. VI. 



and what will not these, in the strength of our Saviour, con- 
quer and destroy. Satan is malicious and subtle, and trembles 
for his empire. But let us not be ignorant of his devices." 

Two Lutheran Missionaries of the Church Missio- 
nary Society accompanied Mr. Corrie on his return 
to India ; and at the close of the year seven in English 
Orders followed them, four destined for Ceylon. The 
number of labourers was thus happily increasing : 
during the four years from 1814 to 1817 fifteen went 
forth to the East; eleven of them of the English 
Church, and four of the Lutheran. 

Mr. Pratt frequently wrote to the Missionaries, and 
his letters were full of advice admirably adapted to 
their several circumstances. To the Rev. Thomas 
Norton he thus writes : — 

" You have a noble field before you. Oh ! may you be kept 
humble, meek, zealous, believing, and persevering ; ' giving 
no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed.' 
May you ' make full proof of your ministry ' on the one hand, 
and ' please all men to their edification' on the other. You 
know how anxiously we watch over you, and how many eyes 
are upon us ; and much of our character and honour as a 
Society, as well as the great cause which we have at heart, is 
in your hands." 

At the same date he writes to the Rev. Messrs. 
Schnarre, Rhenius, Benjamin Bailey, and Dawson : — 

" We trust you will, dear brethren, give yourselves wholly 
and unitedly to the great work to which God has called you, 
to make known the unsearchable riches of Christ to the hea- 
then. Refresh your hearts by continually meditating on the 
Saviour's sufferings, the gracious end which He had in view, 
and that love which made Him gladly suffer for sinful men." 



1817.] 



LETTERS TO MISSIONARIES. 



105 



To one whose natural propensity was to be less at- 
tentive to economy than he should have been, he thus 
writes : — 

" Ever remember the caution, ' Mind not high things, but 
condescend to men of low estate.' If you are expecting to be 
on a par in appearance, dress, &c, with Europeans who have 
lucrative situations, you will bring yourself into innumerable 
difficulties, and greatly hinder your usefulness. Your respec- 
tability must be weight of character ; and must be grounded, 
therefore, on your zeal, your simplicity, and your godly sin- 
cerity. This respectability will greatly promote your useful- 
ness : any other would only be a stumbling-block to those 
around you. Aim at great things, not in this world, but in 
the kingdom of Christ; and how can we direct you to a 
higher human example than to that of St. Paul ? Continually 
copy his zeal, his patience, his humility, and his labours of 
love. Remember him when he says : 4 Neither did we eat any 
man's bread for nought ; but wrought with labour and travail, 
night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.' 
He was willing to labour, and did labour, with his own hands, 
to minister to his necessities. Now, though we do not call 
you to any thing of this sort, we do exhort you to all prudent 
economy ; ever recollecting, that what you unnecessarily spend 
is just so much hindrance to us in sending other Missionaries 
to help in the work of the Lord." 



CHAPTER VII. 

1813—1817. 

DIFFICULTIES OF THE WEST-AFRTCA MISSION — DIRECTIONS TO ENTER UPON 

A SYSTEMATIC COURSE OF PREACHING —THE SLAVE TRADE RETURN OF 

THE MISSIONARY WHO HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM THE SOCIETY — LET- 
TERS OF MR. PRATT UNDER VARIOUS PAINFUL CIRCUMSTANCES THE 

SLAVE TR4DE IS AT LENGTH OVERRULED AS AN INDIRECT INSTRUMENT 

OF SUCCESS — MR. BICKERSTETH's VISIT TO AFRICA MORE DEATHS — 

MR. JOHNSON SENT OUT WITH THREE OTHER SCHOOLMASTERS — ABAN- 
DONMENT OF BASHIA AND CANOFFEE — PROPOSAL FOR A CHURCH MISSIO- 
NARY SHIP. 

While the great events were transpiring at home, 
which so happily terminated in opening the East to 
the entrance of the Gospel, the labourers in the West- 
Africa Mission were still bearing the burden and heat 
of the day. They were struggling on through sick- 
nesses and deaths, and a multitude of discourage- 
ments. They had toiled all the night ; and though 
it cannot be said that they had taken nothing, yet 
their success, after so much labour and at such a 
cost, was far beneath the hopes they had cherished 
themselves, as well as the expectations entertained at 
home. Nine years had elapsed since the commence- 
ment of the Mission, and no very manifest and per- 
manent benefit had followed. Nine Missionaries had 
been sent out; two of whom had been suddenly 
cut off by death in the midst of their work, and one 
had deserted the cause. Within a year of the arrival 
of the three laymen, who accompanied Mr. Butscher 



1813— 1S17.] 



WEST-AFRICA MISSION. 



107 



on his return to Africa with a view to assist in the con- 
cerns of the Mission, and augment its influence upon 
the natives by teaching the arts of civilized life, they 
and their wives were all swept away by a fatal sick- 
ness. Mr. Pratt writes to the survivors: — 

"August 16, 1813. 
"Your friends, we trust, are gone to a better world, and have 
found the purpose of their hearts accepted through their blessed 
Redeemer, though it did not please Him to let them enter on 
the field of labour. But with this uncertainty of life before 
your eyes, we pray God to preserve you watchful and diligent ; 
that when He shall come ye may be found of Him in peace, 
and doing the work as well as bearing the yoke of the Lord. 
Indeed, it is the spirit of resignation to God's will, and the zeal 
for your work which is manifested by you, that chiefly rewards 
us for the pains occasioned by our disappointments. And if 
any one should be tempted to a contrary course, we trust that 
God will give him grace to pause, and to repent." 

He then endeavours to animate them by stating the 
important changes which had been made with regard 
to India, and the vigour with which the Christian 
public were taking up the Missionary cause. He 
adds : — 

" Now, all this should both encourage and stimulate you. — 
It should encourage you, that so many are beginning to take 
an interest in the success of Missions, and that the prayers put 
up for you are continually increasing ; and it should stimulate 
you to activity and perseverance, to consider how many eyes 
are fixed on your proceedings, and how many ears are open to 
receive tidings of your zeal and devotedness, and how many 
hearts will be gladdened by your piety, or pained by your 
failings." 



108 IMPORTANCE OF PREACHING. [Chap. VII. 

In the instructions delivered to Mr, Butscher before 
his return, and transmitted to his brethren, the atten- 
tion of the Missionaries had been particularly drawn 
to the great importance of commencing a systematic 
course of preaching among the heathen from village 
to village. The attempt had been made already, and 
failed, in a great measure from the influence of. the 
Slave Trade ; and they had been obliged to fall back 
upon their schools, as the chief instruments of doing 
good. But the direct preaching of the Gospel is so 
essential a branch of Missionary work, that it was felt 
that every effort should be made to overcome the 
difficulties. 

The new interest which was now being taken in the 
spread of the Gospel among the heathen seemed to af- 
ford a fit occasion for urging this afresh ; and Mr. Pratt 
writes accordingly to the Missionaries, Nov. 26, 1813 : — 

" The public are now beginning to take a warm interest in 
the Society's concerns. We have aroused their feelings and 
awakened their consciences. Many eyes are turned on our 
Missionaries. Unless the fruits of a Christian Mission now 
established for several years become visible in our Report of 
Proceedings, we shall very soon have to defend the Society, 
and to apologise for it, in respect to the Susoo Mission, rather 
than lay claim to the public favour and support. Schools are 
our foundation. We and our Missionaries did well in laying 
that foundation ; but the foundation is laid in order to the rear- 
ing the superstructure. Success belongs not to us, nor to our 
Missionaries ; but attempts and exertions do. The Christian 
public will be fully satisfied, if they witness these attempts 
vigorously made and patiently persevered in, knowing that 
God alone can give the increase and success." 



1813—1817 ] HINDRANCE FROM SLAVE TRADE. 



109 



At a later date he urges the same course on one of 
the brethren who had by that time acquired a compe- 
tent knowledge of the language, and shews him how 
to proceed : — 

" As soon as possible, devote yourself to the proclamation of 
the Gospel in the Susoo tongue. Collect them round you in 
smaller or larger numbers. The time is come ! They know 
you now to be honest men. They have some esteem and re- 
gard for you. What might have been casting pearls before 
swine when you first went to their shores, seems now to be 
your urgent duty. Fear no scoffs nor opposition. 'Preach 
Christ unto them' Go as often, and as far, into the Susoo 
country as you can ; and, as you go, at all convenient times 
and places, using that ' wisdom which is profitable to direct? 
' preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!' Let us 
have exact accounts of your Susoo preachings, at Canoffee and 
elsewhere : name your subjects, the number of your hearers, 
and the reception or rejection of the word. This is my settled 
counsel to you. Let it be known and quickly understood and 
felt all over the Susoo country, that you and your brethren 
have a message to deliver to that people from God. You know 
that I have hitherto said, ■ Take their children ; conciliate their 
regard ; prove yourselves, even to their conviction, honest men : ' 
now I say, f Use the grand ordinances of God ! deliver His 
message ; proclaim the Saviour of the world ! ' " 

But the continuance of the Slave Trade was an in- 
creasing source of trouble to the Missionaries. Al- 
though the British Parliament had abolished this nefa- 
rious traffic as far back as March, 1807, yet the African 
coast was infested by English smugglers and foreign 
traders. The hopes and fears of the friends of Africa 
were kept in constant exercise upon this subject for 



110 



THE SLAVE TRADE. 



[CiiAr. VII. 



several years. There was some expectation that at 
the Treaty of Paris in April, 1814, the immediate abo- 
lition of the trade would be made one of the articles 
by the Allies. This unhappily was not done. In 
November Mr. Pratt writes to the Missionaries : — 

" The danger of our friends in the Rio Pongas from the 
Slave Traders alarmed us : and when the late Treaty at Paris 
(April 23, 1814) allowed the French to resume that traffic for 
five years, we anticipated the most fatal consequences. In the 
Missionary Register you will see the proceedings on this busi- 
ness. I am very happy to tell you, that last week Mr. Wilber- 
force sent me word that the Duke of Wellington had written 
to him from Paris to say, that the French had prohibited the 
Slave Trade to the north of Cape Formosa. 1 communicated 
this happy intelligence to Colonel Maxwell [Governor of Sierra 
Leone] on his calling here a few days since." 

Notwithstanding this apparent improvement, how- 
ever, the opposition created by the Slave Traders con- 
tinued. The calamity at the settlement of Bashia, no- 
ticed in the following letter, seems to have been the act 
of an incendiary, instigated by persons connected with 
the trade. The fears here entertained regarding the 
Society's settlements were unhappily too well founded, 
as will be seen in the sequel. 

" To the Rev. L. Butscher. 

" London, May 1G, 1815. 

"dear brother butscher — 

" From your short letters of Feb. 22, I am not sure that you 
have received mine of Dec. 1, as that entered into the subject 
of the Bashia and CanofFee settlements ; and insinuated the pro- 
bability of its being expedient to give up Bashia, and to aug- 
ment CanofFee. The sad disaster of the fires at Bashia may 



1815.] 



THE SLAVE TRADE. 



Ill 



seem to confirm this opinion, with respect to leaving Bashia : 
how far it may affect Canoffee I cannot say. The natives ap- 
pear most unjust and ungrateful. What shall we .say of men, 
who, after they have seen you residing in their country for no 
end but to confer blessings on them, will allow you to stay 
only on condition of selling by a larger measure than you used 
to do, and buying by a smaller ! 

" The revival of the French Slave Trade appears to have 
been the occasion of this renewed malice. You will rejoice to 
hear that that trade is now gone. Buonaparte is again on the 
throne of France ! and one of his first measures was to abolish 
the French Slave Trade for ever [March 29, 1815]. His 
motives are obvious. He does it to conciliate this country, 
and to shew that his government could and would be more 
humane than that of the King. However, we must acknow- 
ledge the hand of Divine Providence herein." 

In the midst of these trials and disappointments, it 
was some relief that the Missionary, who in 1807 was 
separated from the Society, was now, upon his mani- 
festing proper contrition for his conduct, received 
back again into their confidence. His exemplary 
wife had been driven home in 1806 by severe illness, 
and had continued in England up to the present time ; 
but upon her erring husband's coming to himself 
again, he wrote to her, after a silence of six years, en- 
treating her to return to him in Africa, at the same 
time that he sought a re-union with the Society from 
which he had been so long disconnected. 

The following letter from Mr. Pratt to this person 
is marked by a happy combination of faithfulness and 
affection : — 



112 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. VII. 



" London, Nov. 25, 1814. ■ 

"Dear H , 

e( Long have I wished that I might be authorized to address 
you as a friend. I hope that time is come. Your letter to me 
of June 4th last, and that to your wife of June 6th, which she 
sent to me, I read to the Committee. We were all exceedingly 
rejoiced that God seems to be recovering you to Himself. I 
will confess to you that your letters did not seem to breathe a 
spirit of contrition and holy shame for your sins so much as 
we wished ; and that they rather indicated that you were weary 
of your courses, through the sufferings to which they had ex- 
posed you, than deeply conscious of the dishonour which you 
had brought on the name of your Master. 

" I say not this to afflict you. You are conscious' to your- 
self of the real state of your mind. If God has, by His un- 
searchable mercy, given you to mourn over your sins, you will 
be glad to have your heart searched to the bottom. But I say 
it, that I may discharge the duty towards you of a sincere 
friend. 

" The Committee receive you in the capacity of Translator 
of the Scriptures, and wish you to bend your whole time and 
information to this important work. You should not wish to 
come forward in the responsible character of a Missionary, till 
you have, by a course of consistent conduct, re-established your 
character. Be thankful that there is any employment in which 
you may be placed, and by which you may glorify God. 

" But now what shall I say ? What husband, circumstanced 
like you, could have expected to see a wife like yours, and 
seated as she was in the midst of a circle of most respectable 

friends at , who loved and esteemed her, and who have 

ever earnestly solicited the Committee to interpose, and not 
to suffer her to risk her invaluable life until she could 
be fully satisfied of your deep repentance and unfeigned re- 
gard ? But what answer did she return ? 1 She felt it to be 
her duty to go to her husband, and she left all events with 



1815.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



113 



God ! ' O, ! ! if the return of this heroic and blessed 

woman be not the means of fixing you in steady penitence and 
abiding usefulness, it will cover you with eternal shame and 
aggravated misery. 

" But I pray God that you may walk together for many 
years, and take a large share in carrying our plans for the good 
of Africa into execution. 

" Nothing will give me greater pleasure than to carry on this 
correspondence, which is now re-opened, for many years, as 
being ' of one heart and one soul ' in the service of our Master. 
Many and great are the difficulties and trials through which my 
mind passes with respect to the African Mission ; but I shall 
be relieved and rewarded to hear that you are become, by the 
Almighty grace of the Holy Spirit, a true penitent and a zealous 
labourer for our Lord. 

" Believe me, your affectionate friend, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

It may be an unpleasing and painful task to bring 
to light the defects of good men ; but it is one from 
which the faithful recorder of events must not shrink. 
We are all too well acquainted with the imperfections 
of the best of men, to expect that even sincere 
Christians should be invariably free from grievous 
offences. When these are unrepented of, and are con- 
tinually recurring, we may indeed call in question 
the genuineness of the principles, and the sincerity of 
the motives, of those who are implicated. But where 
they rarely occur, and are followed by unfeigned sor- 
row and true repentance, we have surely every reason 
to judge most favourably of the parties, and to esti- 
mate their Christian character very highly. 

It is with such feelings as these that the following 

i 



114 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. VII. 



letters will be read, in which integrity and faithfulness 
in inflicting necessary rebuke are so well combined 
with tender sympathy towards those who had been 
" overtaken in a fault." 

The first is to one who stood clear in the un- 
happy, though only temporary, difference, which oc- 
casioned the correspondence :— 

" London, October 18, 1815. 

" The deaths of our labourers deeply affect us ; but I cannot 
say that they so deeply affect me, as the errors and infir- 
mities which accompany some of the survivors. I must say, 

dear W , that your spirit and conduct have been a great 

refreshment to my mind. I have trembled to open the letters 
of others, but I always open yours with pleasure and confi- 
dence. I was reading this morning in my chamber the 2d 
chapter to the Philippians ; and when I read the beginning 
of that chapter I said to myself, ' Did the brethren in Africa, 
who are complaining one against another, ever read this pas- 
sage ? Do they know that there is such a passage in the 
Word of God?' And when I went on and read, * Do all 
things without murmurings and dispu tings, that ye may be 
blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in 
the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye 
shine as lights in the world ; holding forth the word of life ' ; — 
when I read this, I said : ' Is not this Word written, as it 
were, expressly for them ? Is it any wonder that the crooked 
and perverse nation among whom they live are little the better 
for them, while these murmurings and disputings shew that 
they are not ( blameless and harmless, the sons of God, with- 
out rebuke,' and that they do not ' shine as lights,' ' holding 
forth the word of life ? ' ' 

" I have referred the brethren and to that chap- 
ter. Perhaps you will read to them what I have above said 
to you upon it. You may do this without letting them hear 



1815.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



115 



the remarks which I have thought it my duty to make to you 
on your own spirit." 

To the senior of those who were in the wrong he 
writes as follows : — 

" London, October 18, 1815. 

" It grieves us to the heart that you are not all at peace 
among yourselves. We cannot approve of the manner in 
which you speak of your brethren. On whichever side the 
fault may lie of want of concord and forbearance and love, 
there is a harshness in your way of speaking that is quite con- 
trary to the c meekness and gentleness of Christ.' See Philip- 

pians, chap. ii. Brother will perhaps read to you what 

I have written to him on this chapter. 

" We have heard various reports, which make us fear and 
tremble. The Committee are determined to know the true 
state of things ; and to see, as far as they can, with their own 
eyes, and to hear with their own ears. If evils have been 
committed, in the strength and by the grace of God they must 
be repented of, and must be put away. A Christian Society, 
leagued for the noble purpose of promoting the kingdom of the 
Lord, cannot and will not countenance or wink at any thing 
dishonourable to the Christian character." 

The following reply from the Missionary to whom 
this letter was addressed, will please the reader : — ■ 

"Your letters of August and October I met here in the 
Colony. My perusing them, and the subsequent effect they 
made on my mind, produced much thankfulness for the kind 
admonitions and reproofs you gave me, in consequence of the 
inconsiderate and harsh expressions in my letter of June 20. 
Do not think I say this in a hypocritical way, but that I 
speak in truth and sincerity. What I feel, after having done 
wrong (though perhaps not having deviated from the truth), I 
may not be able to express. In such cases then I cannot rest 
till I lay such feelings before my Heavenly Father, in order 

I 2 



116 



JELLORUM HARRISON. 



[Chap. VII. 



to obtain peace and forgiveness from Him : and having ob- 
tained these, it cannot be hard for me to ask and expect par- 
don and forgiveness from those I may have offended. Let then, 
I pray you, this fault or faults be buried in the multitude of 
God's mercies, and in the heart of the honourable Committee, 
who, I trust, are merciful, even as their Father is merciful." 

An interesting young African, Jellorum Harrison, 
after passing several years at Karass, in Georgia, had 
been educated by the Church Missionary Society for 
the office of a schoolmaster. After several months' 
residence in England for this purpose, he returned to 
his native country in 1814, and was stationed at one of 
the Society's settlements, in the vicinity of the posses- 
sions of his father, who was an African Chief. Mr. 
Pratt seems to have apprehended that the unhappy 
occurrences above referred to — though of brief dura- 
tion and soon forgotten by the brethren — might have 
had a bad effect upon the mind of this young disciple. 
The following is an extract from an admirable letter 
of caution and admonition which he addressed to 
him : — 

" London, August 10, 1815. 
" Suppose that many things have been wrong, you, Jello- 
rum, ought to know by this time that the bad management of 
good things does not make them evil. If God bestow His 
grace upon you, and render you humble and diligent, you will 
be an unspeakable blessing to your countrymen. My dear 
Jellorum, you know our sincerity; you know our unfailing 
wishes for the present and eternal welfare of your country- 
men; you know their wretched state without the Gospel of 
Christ ; and you have much, very much, to answer for, if you 
do not second and promote to the utmost of your power all 
our plans and efforts. You may see many infirmities, and even 



1815.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



117 



much evil, in the persons employed by us. If you do, tell us 
so with a sincere and charitable mind. But, oh! f let this 
mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.' Pray to become 
humble, and disinterested, and self-denying, like your Master. 
Tell every one of your family, and all around you, that ' the 
blood of Jesus Christ' alone 'cleanseth from all sin ;' 'that no 
other foundation can any man lay than that which is laid, 
which is Christ Jesus that ' the times of their past ignorance 
God winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to 
repent; because He hath appointed a day in which He will 
judge the world in righteousness, by that Man whom He hath 
ordained.' 

" Read St. Paul's Epistles to Timothy and Titus, and then 
bow your knees to your Heavenly Master, and fervently beseech 
Him to make you, in your spirit and temper, in your principles 
and aims, in your character and conduct, a kind, and consi- 
derate, and faithful guide of your countrymen to Him who 
died for them. True Religion is the same, and unchange- 
able, even if all whom you know as professing it were hypo- 
crites. To your own Master you stand or fall. And you 
must one day account for all the light you have received, and 
all the affectionate entreaties which I and others may have 
used to you, and all the opportunities which God now puts into 
your power. 

" I write these things not to grieve you ; but to put you on 
your guard. I know well, that even you, who have seen so 
much of the truth and power of religion, are still reluctant to 
think of your own country as so debased and degraded as it 
really is. But if a fond attachment to it, as your country, pre- 
vents you, with all your past advantages, from seeing its de- 
plorable condition, we can only pray to God to open your eyes. 

" I have, notwithstanding these my views and fears, great 
hopes, dear Jellorum, that God will give you the grace of His 
Holy Spirit, that you may labour without ceasing to make 
known our Lord Jesus Christ to your countrymen." 



118 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. VII. 



The following letter affords another instance of the 
faithful and affectionate interest with which he 
watched over the conduct of those employed by the 
Society in its foreign labours. It was written to 
a young African, whose conduct was not satisfactory 
after he became employed as a schoolmaster, al- 
though he had often made great promises and high 
professions : — 

" March 8, 1816. 

" DEAR 

" I was happy to receive your letter, because you therein 
profess yourself anxious to benefit your countrymen. You 
made many professions of the same kind, indeed, when you 
were in England ; but I am sorry to say you have much dis- 
appointed our expectations. As to any false accounts which 
you say have been sent to us of your conduct, the thing speaks 
for itself. What have you done to bring your poor country- 
men to know the Saviour ? How far has your temper shewn 
them what great things Divine grace has done for true Chris- 
tians ? 

" I might go on to ask many questions of this nature ; but I 
forbear. You appeal to the Searcher of hearts and to the 
awful tribunal of the Last Day. Yes ; keep these ever in your 
eye, and not merely on your tongue, and then the intelligence 

concerning you which we shall receive will be, that 

is humble, contrite, meek, and lowly of heart ; that he 

is chaste, and temperate, and diligent, and zealous ; that he 
studies the Scriptures and prays ; that his whole trust is in the 
Saviour, and that his whole life is devoted to Him. 

" May it please our Lord to make you such a Christian as I 
have described ! 

" I am, your affectionate friend, 

"Josiah Pratt." 



1814.] 



FIRST DAWN OF SUCCESS. 



119 



It was about this time, after such a long series of 
disappointments and painful occurrences, that the 
first dawn appeared of that success for which the 
Society had so long prayed and waited. It pleased 
God so to overrule events, that the very curse of 
West Africa, and the grand hindrance to all Mis- 
sionary efforts, was indirectly made a chief instru- 
ment in bringing about this happy change. On the 
21st of November, 1814, Mr. Pratt writes to Mr. 
Butscher : — 

" It appears to me that the Providence of God is preparing 
for you a situation in which you may be more useful than in 
that of Colonial Chaplain. 

" It has been impressed on my mind of late that we ought to 
make exertions within the colony. Governor Maxwell tells us 
that there are not less than 10,000 people under British autho- 
rity there. Most of these are at present heathens. The 
French will now begin to smuggle, as well as the English. 
This will increase the number of re-captured adults and chil- 
dren. The colony must be their place of refuge, and it might 
be their place of Christian instruction. And what body of per- 
sons so fit to undertake this labour of love as our Society ? 

" I have therefore suggested to the Committee, and the pro- 
posal has been approved by them, and heartily agreed to by 
Governor Maxwell, that we should form an Establishment near 
Freetown, on a considerable scale. Some hundred acres of 
land in a healthy and fertile part of the higher grounds should 
be granted to the Society." 

The Abolition of the French Slave Trade, as well 
as of the English, led to the capture of a vast 
number of smuggling slave ships, from which mul- 
titudes of wretched captives were liberated, and al- 



120 



LIBERATED SLAVES. 



[Chap. VII. 



lowed once more to breathe their native air in Sierra 
Leone, whither these ships were always taken. A 
wide field of usefulness was therefore now at length 
opening to the efforts of the Missionaries. Native 
Africans from as many as thirty different nations were 
congregated together within the range of the colony ; 
and the time of God's mercy seemed to be drawing 
near. It might be said, by an accommodation of the 
words of the Psalmist, when the Almighty had suffered 
the trade to exist, and at length overruled it for good, 
The cruelty of man shall praise Thee, and the remainder 
of it wilt Thou restrain. 

The Church Missionary Society had long been de- 
sirous of finding a fit person who would be willing to 
take a voyage to Africa — to inspect the Mission, and 
gather such information as should enable the Society 
to put their affairs on a better footing, and enlarge 
their efforts with fresh zeal. Such a person was found 
in 1815, and Mr. Pratt announces the event to the 
brethren in Africa : — 

" An excellent and able friend of the Society, Mr. Bicker- 
steth, of Norwich, is about to be ordained. He will then sail 
for Sierra Leone as the Society's Visitor." 

On the 29th of December he accompanied his 
friend — now made his co-adjutor, as Assistant-Se- 
cretary — to Deal, where he was to embark on his 
important errand. But, as the wind became unfa- 
vourable for sailing, they continued together for four 
days, conferring on the affairs of the Mission about to 
be visited. 



1816.] 



MR. BICKERSTETH'S VISIT. 



121 



Mr. Bickersteth finally left the shores of England 
on the 24th of January, 1816, and after spending three 
months in Africa reached home on the 18th of August. 
The object of his visit was fully accomplished. On 
the 13th of September a Deputation of the Society 
waited on Government to propose various arrange- 
ments, suggested by the information which Mr. Bick- 
ersteth had brought home, and by the plans and re- 
presentations of the Governor of Sierra Leone. Among 
these, it was proposed to divide the Colony into Pa- 
rishes, and to increase the number of English Clergy- 
men and schoolmasters, for the effectual care and in- 
struction of the re-captured Negroes. The Govern- 
ment fully concurred in these plans. The division 
speedily took place ; and patronage was extended to 
the Church Missionary Society by a share of the sa- 
laries of the Missionaries being defrayed from the 
public treasury. 

But during this encouraging aspect of things, the 
hand of death was not arrested. Early in 1816, be- 
fore Mr. Bickersteth 's return, intelligence was received 
of the removal by death of six individuals connected 
with the Mission. 

To the Rev. G. R. Nylander Mr. Pratt writes : — 

March 6, 1816. 

" Letters of a later date than yours apprise us of the death of 
brother Sperrhacken and his child, and the illness of his widow, 
and the other awful inroads which death has lately made upon 
your number. What can we say to these affecting dispensa- 
tions ? ' I was dumb, because it was Thy doing : but take 
away from us the stroke of Thy heavy hand,' " 



122 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. VII. 



To the Rev. Melchior Renner, the senior Missio- 
nary , he says : — 

" By the Echo, which conveys this, Jour schoolmasters with 
their wives sail for your unhealthy shores to assist in supplying 
the places of the dead — * cast down,' indeed, at the melancholy 
tidings, ' but not in despair.' " 

And he refers to the same subject in a letter to Mr. 
Butscher, in which he also mentions the four school- 
masters by name : — 

fc The sad intelligence which your last letters communicate 
almost brings us to a stand. We now send forth, however, in 
humble reliance on Divine mercy and power, Messrs. Horton, 
Jost, During, and J ohnson, with their wives. They felt some 
fear on the receipt of the melancholy tidings of the death of 
their predecessors ; but they set forward in faith, committing 
themselves to the Lord." 

It was this " humble reliance on Divine mercy 
and power" which could alone sustain Mr. Pratt 
and his friends under these heavy visitations. If any 
one feeling is impressed upon the mind more than 
another, in reading through his numerous letters 
during the first twelve years of the African Mission, 
it is admiration at the strong faith and untiring per- 
severance, which carried him through so many disap- 
pointed hopes ; and which no doubt tended largely 
to sustain the faith and courage of the labourers 
abroad and friends at home. Fully to appreciate the 
trial, it must be remembered that this was the first and, 
as yet, the only Mission in which the Society had made 
the experiment of sending Missionaries to convert the 



1816.] 



MORE TRIALS. 



123 



heathen. They had no instances of eminent success 
attending their efforts, to encourage them to perse- 
vere ; and without a firm belief in the simple Word 
of God, and a comprehensive view of the duty of 
making every possible sacrifice to communicate the 
Gospel of Salvation to a lost world, they must have 
sunk under their overwhelming difficulties. 

In addition to the painful inroads which death was 
making upon the labourers, other troubles pressed 
upon the Mission. The indomitable perseverance of 
the Slave dealers, who carried on their traffic by 
smuggling in spite of the trade having been abolished, 
compelled the Society to abandon, first, the settlement 
of Bashia in 1816, and then that at Canoffee in 
1817-18. All the toil and patience of the past twelve 
years and more seemed now to be utterly lost. This 
was enough to try the stoutest heart. But Mr. 
Pratt's faith did not waver. After announcing these 
new and aggravated causes of discouragement, he 
adds — " But God's time for mercy on Africa will 
still come ! " 

We shall see hereafter that this assured hope 
was fulfilled ; and in the manner and direction in 
which he seemed now to be looking; if we may 
judge from his letter of 1814 to Mr. Butscher, already 
quoted. 

We should mention, however, that distressing and 
discouraging as these events were, the labours of the 
Missionaries had not been wholly without fruit, even 
in those parts which they were now compelled to 
abandon, They carried with them to the colony 



124 



MR. JOHNSON, 



[Chap. VII. 



several Susoo youths, whom they had educated in their 
school. Some of these turned out well, especially 
Simeon Wilhelm, named after the Missionary who had 
been his instructor in the school, first at Bashia and 
then at Canoffee. This youth accompanied Mr. Bick- 
ersteth to England ; and died in 1817 at the Church 
Missionary House, Salisbury Square — a bright orna- 
ment to the Gospel, and a most blessed first-fruits of 
the harvest which was to follow. 

It was primarily through the exertions of one of 
the four schoolmasters just mentioned, Mr, Johnson, 
that the happy work, which we shall have to narrate 
in a future chapter, commenced in the colony. He 
appears soon, by his industry and Christian zeal, to 
have attracted the notice of the Governor: for Mr. 
Pratt writes, July 11, 1817, to his friend the Rev. 
William Garnon, who went to Africa in 1816 as Go- 
vernment Chaplain to the colony : — 

"The Governor has highly commended Johnson to Earl 
Bathurst [then Secretary for the Colonies], and has been re- 
questing that he may be appointed a Chaplain." 

Then afterwards : — 

" We trust that all your feelings and hopes respecting Mr. 
Johnson will be realized. The good work which is going on 
at Regent's Town [the parish in which he laboured] is an 
abundant reward to us for all our money and anxiety." 

To Mrs. Garnon Mr. Pratt writes by the same op- 
portunity, now especially anxious to avail himself of 
every means of gaining accurate information regard- 
ing the progress of the good work : — - 



1817.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



125 



" London, July 11, 1817- 

" MY DEAR FRIEND — 

" I hope you will continue the correspondence which you 
have kindly begun : particularly let me beg of you to watch the 
various incidents which may take place in the schools or 
among the Negroes, that you think will be interesting to our 
numerous friends. You know how much the heart is affected 
by the relation of the working of Divine grace in others ; and, 
blessed be God S we hear that now from Africa for which we 
have long looked and prayed. We must expect checks and 
disappointments, and we have now quite enough of them to 
call for all our faith and patience ; but let us look to our 
blessed Lord, and lean on His Almighty arm. We rejoice 
much to hear of your health and Mr. Garnon's. The next 
letter will perhaps apprise us that you have not escaped the 
effects of the climate ; and from what I hear I should be dis- 
posed to wish, if it were right to wish on the subject, that you 
might have an early seasoning, as we are told that it is severe 
in proportion to its being deferred. You are, however, in the 
hands of the Lord ; and He will do all things in mercy and 
love. 

" I am glad to hear that you spend as much time as you can 
among our mountaineers. We hope to send out a second 
Chaplain, which will enable Mr. Garnon to pass more time 
with you there. 

" Pray write to me as often and circumstantially as you can ; 
and remember that facts and circumstances communicated to 
me, if likely to edify others, and increase their love and zeal, 
will soon find their way into print, and be circulated by thou- 
sands ; while if you send them hither and thither to your 
friends, they may not be heard of beyond their own circle : and 
if to such circumstantial communications from you I should 
return but brief replies, attribute this entirely to its true cause, 
the entire occupation of my mind and time in the work of the 
Society. 



126 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. VII. 



" But whether my letter to you be short or long, I have you 
in my heart. My earnest prayers, my dear friend, are put up 
for you to the God of our fathers, that being strengthened 
with might by His Spirit in the inner man, both you and 
your dear husband may find ' Christ dwelling in your hearts 
by faith.' 

(i I am ever, dear Mary, 

" Your affectionate friend, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

Mrs. Garnon's family had resided at Birmingham, 
and were well known to Mr. Pratt, as is implied in 
his expression " the God of our fathers." 

Within a year and a few days after this was written 
Mr. Garnon and three persons connected with the 
Mission were in one week cut down by death, in the 
midst of their valuable labours. 

Together with the above letters Mr. Pratt sent the 
following to the individual, whom God was beginning 
so greatly to prosper in His work : — 

"Church Missionary House, July 11, 1817. 

" DEAR JOHNSON — 

" I am happy to address you as a brother engaged in the 
great work of our blessed Master, and to see that God is with 
you of a truth. 

" We particularly wish you to give us details of all striking 
conversations between yourself and the poor Negroes, who are 
under the evident teaching of the Holy Spirit. Write them 
down as soon after they take place as possible, word for 
word. We shall choose out such parts as we think useful : 
and you know, as face answers to face, so does the heart 
of man. 

" Our Heavenly Master has honoured you, dear J ohnson, in 
making you an instrument of conveying the greatest of all 



1817.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



127 



blessings to perishing souls. Now be prepared for discourage- 
ments and temptations ; but lean on the wisdom and strength 
of your Lord. I trust and pray that both you and your wife 
will be kept near to Christ in prayer, and faith, and holy love, 
and obedience. You may be sure that Satan will ' sift you as 
wheat,' if permitted ; but your Great Intercessor will plead for 
you and sustain you. 

" Mr. Bickersteth is now absent, travelling in the north of 
England, to beg for our Society. He rejoices greatly in your 
joy; and remembers you affectionately in prayer. Indeed, in 
our Saturday-Evening Prayer Meetings, held here regularly at 
seven o'clock, we bring poor Africa always before the Throne 
of Grace, and with more hope and comfort than we have done 
before. It gave us much pleasure to find how you were com- 
forted in the thought of our prayers. 

" By your last, of March 11, I learn that you had received 
mine of December 27, 1816, and felt some apprehension under 
a sense of your own inability for the work of the ministry. We 
learn, by a letter from Mr. Gamon, of April 1, that you were 
solemnly dedicated to that work on the preceding day. Who, 
indeed, is sufficient, dear brother, for these things ? But all 
our sufficiency is of God, May you find this daily and hourly 
fulfilled in yourself! 

" Remember us all affectionately to your wives, and to all 
the Christian Negroes. Tell them from us to cleave to the 
Lord Jesus, and to pray and strive to be like Him ; and tell 
them, that to hear of their being Christ's servants comforts our 
hearts. We think all the money we have spent, and all the 
trouble we have felt, rewarded over and over again in winning 
one soul to Jesus. 

" The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, 
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. 

" I am, dear Johnson, 

" Ever affectionately yours, 

" Josiah Pratt." 



128 



PROPOSAL FOR A 



[Chap. VII. 



Before quitting the Africa Mission it should be 
mentioned, that a scheme was once entertained by 
the Society of purchasing a ship, to enable them to 
carry on a more regular intercourse with their Mis- 
sion than the vessels to that coast had hitherto per- 
mitted. Dr. Buchanan called their attention to the 
subject in his Anniversary Sermon in 1810 ; but it does 
not seem to have been seriously entertained till 1815, 
when the proposal appears to have been made afresh 
during the Second Anniversary of the Church Missio- 
nary Association at Bristol, and the matter was taken 
up with much spirit. It was proposed by the Clergy 
of Bristol that the projected ship should be named 
after Mr. Pratt. This circumstance is here mentioned 
for the sake of introducing the following extract from 
his reply to the gentleman who wrote to him on the 
subject, as it well illustrates a prominent feature in 
his character : — 

" Church Missionary House, April 22, 1815. 

" MY DEAR FRIEND — 

" I am just returned from a most successful Missionary tour : 
Bristol (as you know), 800/.; Manchester, 700/.; Stafford- 
shire, 2501. ; Derbyshire, not yet known. 

" I was much surprised by yours of the 17th inst., apprizing 
me of what has already been done in your neighbourhood 
towards furnishing a ship for the use of the Church Mis- 
sionary Society, to be called after my name. I feel most 
deeply your love. Do with my name what you will when 
I rest in the bosom of my Lord ; but I can never consent to 
have it used, under the circumstances of the case, in the 
manner which you propose, while I live and hold the office 
which I do." 



1815.] 



MISSIONARY SHIP. 



129 



Mr. Pratt proposed that the vessel should be called 
the "William Wilberforce :" but although the sub- 
scriptions were large the first year, they afterwards 
declined, the required sum, 6000/., was never realized, 
and the scheme was relinquished, and has never since 
been resumed. The chief considerations alleged by 
Dr. Buchanan in favour of the scheme — viz. neces- 
sity of conveyance for the Missionaries, of regular 
supplies, and of frequent communication with home 
—have been met by the rapid extension of our colo- 
nies and commerce to the remotest parts of the 
globe : the ordinary means of transit and commu- 
nication with the Missions have become more abun- 
dant and economical, than those which could be fur- 
nished by ships chartered for the express purpose. 
The arrival of a messenger this very year in only 
ninety days from our New-Zealand Mission at the 
Antipodes, is a striking proof with what ease the ser- 
vants of the Lord can now " run to and fro in the 
earth" on their blessed errand. Nevertheless, the 
proposal above referred to proves the high estimation 
in which Mr. Pratt and his services were held ; and 
though he modestly declined it, yet it doubtless ani- 
mated him to prosecute his labours with fresh zeal, to 
find that they were so kindly appreciated by his 
brethren. 



K 



CHAPTER VIII. 

1809—1817. 

THE REV. S. MARSDEN VISITS ENGLAND — SUGGESTS A MISSION TO NEW ZEA- 
LAND RETURNS WITH SOME SETTLERS — DUATERRA — A SCHOOLMASTER 

AND HIS WIFE SENT OUT ALL EFFORTS FOR A LONG TIME UNAVAILING — - 

AT LENGTH MR. MARSDEN VISITS NEW ZEALAND, AND THE FIRST CHURCH 

MISSIONARY SETTLEMENT IS PLANTED THERE — DEATH OF DUATERRA 

MOWHEE VISITS ENGLAND DEATH OF MOWHEE. 

In the year 1808 the Rev. Samuel Marsden, Chaplain 
of Port Jackson, during a visit to England, had called 
the attention of the Church Missionary Society to the 
Islands of New Zealand, as affording a promising 
sphere for their exertions. His proposal was that 
they should commence by establishing a settlement on 
one of the islands, with a view of promoting the arts 
of life and ultimately the spiritual good of the natives, 
who were described as " men of naturally acute and 
superior minds." His Majesty's Minister for the Colo- 
nies gave the most friendly assurances of good will to 
the Society's design, and sent instructions to the Go- 
vernor of New South Wales to afford the settlement, 
when formed, his countenance and support. 

In August, 1809, Mr. Marsden left England with two 
young men, one of them married, who went out as 
settlers under the protection of the Society. The fol- 
lowing letter will shew the primitive manner, in which 
this Father of the New-Zealand Mission entered upon 
his great enterprise : — 



1809.] 



LETTER FROM MR. MARSDEN. 



131 



" Rev. S. Marsden to Rev. J. Pratt. 

" Cowes Roads, Aug. 28, 1809. 

" Dear Sir — 

" We are now waiting for the wind to change in Cowes 
Roads : as soon as it comes to the east we sail. William Hall, 
his wife, and John King [the two settlers], are on board, and 
well. I have no doubt that they will be pretty comfortable. 
J ohn King I take entirely to myself ; he will live in the same 
manner as my family. William Hall, as he has a wife, will 
require a little more attention. I have laid in for him two 
sheep and one dozen fowls : in case they should want, now 
and then, a little fresh meat, when we kill a sheep we shall 
give them a part. 

" I was very happy to find, when I went on board, a New 
Zealander, a very fine young man, who came lately to England, 
and is now going back again to his own country. I hope, with 
a little assistance, King and Hall will be able during our 
voyage to get some knowledge of the New-Zealand language. 
As soon as we are a little more settled and prepared for sea, I 
shall endeavour to assist them, with the New Zealander, to 
draw up a short vocabulary. The common terms, I think, of 
the language they may acquire ; and by daily conversing with 
him, may prepare their minds for more easily understanding 
the natives when they arrive. 

******* 

" Mrs. Hall is a very valuable woman. I am very much 
pleased with her indeed ; and shall endeavour to make them 
comfortable. After all our nonsense with the captain, we have 
got all our things on board— our live stock, hay, corn, &c. — and 
are all very good friends. 

" I preached yesterday for the first time. We have more than 
400 on board, have had two children born since we embarked, 
and shall have many more. I will write again from the first 
place we touch at. Excuse great haste, as I write these few 

k2 



132 



DUATERRA. 



[Chap. VIII. 



lines in the midst of bustle. With my kind respects to Mrs. 
Pratt, 

" I remain, Dear Sir, 

" Yours sincerely, 

" Samuel Marsden." 

The settlers, on their arrival at Port Jackson, re- 
mained there under the care of Mr. Marsden, watch- 
ing a favourable opportunity for entering upon their 
work. The name of the young chief mentioned in 
Mr. Marsden's letter was Duaterra: he was related 
to the principal chiefs of the Northern Island of New 
Zealand, and was himself heir to a considerable terri- 
tory. The return of this young man in the same vessel 
in which Mr. Marsden and his companions sailed, 
was looked upon as a token for good, and indeed 
proved to be so. He became much attached to the 
two young men sent out by the Society ; and remained 
at Port Jackson under Mr. Marsden's instructions 
more than three years, preparing himself upon his 
return to promote the good of his countrymen. Mr. 
Marsden writes to Mr. Pratt : — 

" Duaterra is a very uncommon character. His moral de- 
portment is blameless. His mind is wholly bent on establish- 
ing a Sabbath Day at New Zealand, and on introducing the 
knowledge of the Supreme Being. While he lived with me he 
acquired all the knowledge he possibly could, with a view of 
imparting it to his people : he understands many of the opera- 
tions of agriculture." 

In 1813 Duaterra returned to New Zealand ; and 
was received back with great marks of esteem, and 
appointed King at the Bay of Islands, which after- 



1814.] 



NEW-ZEALAND MISSION. 



133 



wards became the chief scene of the Society's opera- 
tions. And in the same year, the Society sent out to 
Port Jackson a Schoolmaster (Mr. Kendall) and his 
wife, who, in 1814, with one of the settlers, paid a visit 
to the Northern Island in a vessel which Mr. Marsden 
had purchased for the purpose. They returned with 
various chiefs and other natives, who were induced to 
come to Port Jackson to promote the Society's objects 
by acquiring useful knowledge. Mr. Pratt writes, in 
reply to a letter he received from Mr. Kendall : — 

" Your account of New Zealand excites ardent expectation 
and hope in my mind that God will condescend to employ us 
and you as instruments of conveying eternal blessings to that 
noble race. Go on, my dear friend, in the strength of the 
Lord, possessing your soul in patience, and quietly labouring 
till your evening of rest shall come. There is no greater 
honour than in being employed in increasing Christ's kingdom 
among men, and especially among the Gentiles. 

" You feel the want of a regular authority as a Clergyman ; 
but let not this trouble you: you may do every thing in a 
heathen land, under the character of a Catechist, except admi- 
nistering the Sacraments ; and the time may come, at no great 
distance, when we may send out some Lutheran Clergymen to 
your aid, who may admit you, according to the authority which 
their Church vests in them, to Holy Orders, if that should be 
found necessary. But my counsel is to go on contentedly, 
doing the work in which you can consistently engage." 

He writes also to Mr. Marsden, proposing that Mr. 
Kendall's visit to New Zealand should be followed up 
by his returning with others, that they might endea- 
vour to gain a footing in the country. 



134 



NEW-ZEALAND MISSION. [Chap. VIII. 



" August 18, 1814. 

" Send over thither some promising young men, if you can 
find them. Let them break up the ground as settlers, and act 
as Schoolmasters and Catechists. Only let a promising be- 
ginning be made, and we will send you some Clergymen from 
home to pass their days among that interesting people. If you 
can form an Auxiliary Society, which will give us a good hope 
that our designs will be perpetuated when your own labours 
or those of your worthy colleagues are over, we shall be encou- 
raged to commit any reasonable funds to your disposal : for 
the members of the Church answer so readily to our call, and 
manifest such willingness to take their full share in the noble 
efforts of these days to bless the heathen with the Gospel, that, 
let us but shew them a fair opening for exertion, and they will 
support all our efforts. * * * Nor have I any hesitation, 
my dear Sir, in saying, from the spirit and zeal which I find 
wherever I travel in the cause of the Society, that the members 
of the Church will support us in expending as many thousands 
per annum, in prudent attempts to civilize and evangelize the 
New Zealanders, in proportion as God opens before us pro- 
mising means and opportunities, as we have now authorized 
you to appropriate hundreds, 

" Your heart is much set on New Zealand, and so, I confess, 
is mine. Your representations have turned my mind to this 
subject; and it appears to me that our Gracious Master having 
given a considerable degree of strength to the capacities of the 
Church in your quarter, to support our designs towards New 
Zealand, we are specially called on to cultivate that promising 
field." 

The Society was very greatly indebted to Mr. 
Marsden, for the deep interest and the unremitting 
exertions which he made, in attempting to commence 
a Mission in such a distant and savage region. It 
was not without cause that he was styled 6 The Father 



1815.] 



NEW-ZEALAND MISSION. 



135 



of the New-Zealand Mission.' "Your efforts;' Mr. 
Pratt writes to him, " for the good of the New Zea- 
landers and the South-Sea Islanders, will call down 
blessings on your memory from generations yet un- 
born." 

The exertions were for a long time as unavailing 
as they were persevering. But the intercourse Mr. 
Marsden had with the chiefs whom Mr. Kendall 
brought over with him to Port Jackson, seemed to be 
opening a way to this hitherto inaccessible country. 
Mr. Pratt writes to him again : — 

"August 12, 1815. 
" Your reports of the chiefs have delighted us all. You will 
see, in the numbers of the ' Missionary Register ' now sent, 
that we think your accounts likely to increase the zeal and 
ardour of our members." 

But he brings forward his West- Africa experience 
to moderate eager expectations, and to shew where 
they must look for help : — 

" We would not be too sanguine. Our delays and discou- 
ragements in Africa teach us to sow in patience and hope, and 
not seldom in tears. Some difficulties, indeed, of that Mission 
are very peculiar, and such as we have no reason to expect in 
New Zealand ; yet we would never forget the general lessons 
of quiet and submissive acquiescence in the will of God which 
those difficulties ought to teach us." 

Five years were, in fact, spent in waiting for a 
favourable opportunity. The vices of our own coun- 
trymen had unhappily instigated the natives against 
us. At length the way was opened through the in- 
fluence of Duaterra ; and Mr. Marsden sailed with the 



136 



MOWHEE. 



[Chap. VIII. 



chiefs and the three Englishmen and their families, 
and planted the first settlement of the Church Missio- 
nary Society, on the 24th of February, 1815, at Rang- 
hee Hoo in the Bay of Islands. 

In the meantime intelligence reached England of 
the death of the promising young man who had been 
so friendly and serviceable. He died, alas ! before it 
was clear that he had received the truth of the Gospel 
in his heart. To the same friend Mr. Pratt writes : — 

" Many things arise to damp our spirits ; but we must pray 
for faith and patience. The heathen of New Zealand shall 
one day be brought to know the Lord : and future Duaterras 
shall die, not as that poor fellow did, in clouds and darkness, 
but in the light of the Lord." 

Of the death of another of the young chiefs, how- 
ever, whom Mr. Marsden had brought back with him, 
better news was soon to be told. An ardent desire 
to see England had induced Mowhee, after his return 
to New Zealand from Port Jackson, to visit this coun- 
try. Working his passage as a sailor, he arrived in 
London in May, 1816, where he was befriended by the 
Church Missionary Society. But he soon sickened, 
and in less than eight months was brought to the 
grave. After adverting to the character of Duaterra 
in the following words of the Seventeenth Report, " We 
leave this lamented chief in the hands of Infinite 
Mercy," Mr. Pratt proceeds : — 

" Of one of his countrymen who has, like him, left this 
world, no anxieties whatever rest on the mind with respect to 
his eternal safety. Mowhee, with whose name the reader of 
Mr. Marsden's Narrative will be acquainted, has left his earthly 



1817.] 



CHEERING PROSPECTS. 



137 



remains with us in this land, but his soul is with his Lord ; 
and the first-fruits of New Zealand have been doubtless ga- 
thered into the garner of Heaven, and are a pledge of that 
abundant harvest which will one day be there safely housed for 
ever !" 

The success of the attempts to obtain a footing in 
the country of these chiefs, was cheering news to the 
friends of the cause, as Mr. Pratt tells Mr. Marsden, 
in acknowledging the receipt of the journal of his 
visit : — 

" June 7, 1817. 

" The account of your visit to New Zealand, as published in 
the November and December ( Registers,' has most warmly in- 
terested all our friends, and has called forth much prayer, that 
the New Zealanders may be taught the way of salvation. 

" You will observe," he adds, " by the February ' Register,' 
that we have lost Mowhee, who is gone, as we are well per- 
suaded, to the heavenly rest. His history has awakened fresh 
sympathies and feelings for New Zealand. 

" We have had a conference with some of our Vice-Presi- 
dents respecting the aggressions and cruelties of South-Sea 
whalers, and have determined, in consequence of your repre- 
sentations, to present a Memorial to Government on the subject. 
It is already prepared, and will, as we hope, be presented in a 
few days, and obtain some legal and adequate protection for 

the New Zealanders. 

* ***** * 

" You will see in the ' Register' a full view of what is doing in 
every part of the world. Our Annual Meetings become more 
heavenly and more interesting every year. 

" We are cheered by the hope that our Saviour is using us 
as His instruments, in a day when the signs of the approaching 
of His kingdom in every part of the earth become more and 
more plain. We are persuaded that it is His grace which has 



138 



THREE FIELDS OF LABOUR. 



[Chap. VIII. 



inclined your heart to be willing to make many sacrifices and 
undergo many labours, and go through evil report and good 
report, for the promoting of that kingdom which shall at length 
be established in all the earth. May we give all the glory to 
Him, and never be weary in His cause ; and we shall doubtless 
have our reward when we meet before His throne. 

" I am ever, My Dear Sir, affectionately yours, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

At the date of this letter, the Church Missionary 
Society had fairly entered upon the three chief scenes 
of its operations— Africa, New Zealand, and India. 
In this encouraging expansion of its benevolent efforts 
Mr. Pratt could not but rejoice. In appealing for 
larger funds to meet the increasing demands, he thus 
alludes to it : — 

" It is a peculiar glory of institutions like ours, that they 
connect every one of their members with the whole race of 
their fellow-men, and that for the relief of their most urgent 
necessities. The steady contribution of the Society's humblest 
friend is felt by the African, by the New Zealander, and 
by the Hindoo. The Child, the Servant, and the Labourer 
are raised in the scale of intelligence, of motive, and of feeling. 
They are drawn out, by these contributions, beyond the little 
circle of their own interests and concerns ; and begin to under- 
stand and to appreciate the high honour of being allowed to 
take a share in the chief work of mercy — the salvation of 

THE WORLD." 



CHAPTER IX. 

1815—1818. 

A LARGE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES OFFER THEMSELVES FOR MISSIONARY 
WORK — MR. PRATT'S MATURED VIEWS ON THE QUALIFICATIONS OF MIS- 
SIONARIES — THE REV. THOMAS SCOTT RELINQUISHES THE EDUCATION OF 
CANDIDATES — THE BASLE INSTITUTION — CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE 
REV. J. BLUMHARDT — THE INSTITUTION AT ISLINGTON FOUNDED. 

The awakened zeal of the Church manifested itself 
about this period, not only by the increased funds 
which were poured into the Missionary treasury, and 
the many prayers offered up for the Divine blessing, 
but also in the increasing number of those who 
willingly offered themselves to labour among the 
heathen. 

At first, the main difficulty lay in finding men 
both willing and able to devote themselves to this 
arduous calling ; and for several years, as we have 
seen, none such were to be met with among our 
own countrymen. But in 1815 Mr. Pratt was able 
to say : — 

" The Committee had too often to complain, in past years, 
that so few offered themselves to this office. They have now 
to report, that the number of candidates is so great, that they 
do not feel themselves warranted, even by the present flourish- 
ing state of the funds, to embrace all the desirable offers of 
service which are made to them." 

At the same time we find him writing to the Rev. 



140 MISSIONARY CANDIDATES. [Chap. IX. 

John Jcenike, the venerable head of the Berlin Semi- 
nary, informing him of this change, and that they 
were not now dependent on foreign aid. 

"Nov. 1, 181(5. 

" In thus, for a time at least, taking leave of you, we beg you 
to accept our hearty thanks for all the kind assistance which 
you and your friends have rendered to the cause of our 
common Lord and Master. You will rejoice that His kingdom 
nourishes among us, and that His servants are offering them- 
selves to promote it among the heathen. 

May our God bless and strengthen and comfort you in 
your declining years, and may we all meet in that world where 
our labours shall end in eternal repose !" 

But amongst those who offered themselves for Mis- 
sionary work, there were some whom he thought it 
desirable to advise " well to count the cost, and to 
view impartially their own situation and character." 
And this advice was the more necessary, as his " rea- 
sonable expectations and hopes had not been without 
disappointment." The experience afforded by the 
West-Africa Mission, had enabled him to take an 
enlarged and comprehensive view of the elements 
necessary for the formation of an efficient Missionary 
character. In the following admirable paper, which 
he drew up in the beginning of 1817, he has very 
ably embodied his thoughts and views on this sub- 
ject :— , . 

6t Not a few of the present race of Missionaries emulate the 
virtues of the best of their predecessors, and are the happiness 
and honour of the bodies to which they belong ; and many 
more are devoting, with all simplicity, the talents entrusted to 



1817.] 



MISSIONARY QUALIFICATIONS. 



141 



them to the honour of their Lord ; but there are some of less 
weight of character. 

"We do not speak of those shades and gradations of charac- 
ter which are inevitable in such a body of men ; nor of that 
variety of talents which the Great Householder commits, for 
wise purposes, to His servants : but we speak of those imper- 
fections which have, in different degrees, disappointed the 
reasonable expectations of the Societies by whom such per- 
sons have been prepared and sent forth, at a great charge on 
public charity. 

" It may be beneficial to trace the operations of a mind of 
this description, in offering itself to the Missionary service. 
An honest zeal springs up in a man newly awakened to feel 
his own obligations to redeeming mercy, to communicate the 
knowledge of salvation to others. Missionary Sermons, or 
Meetings, or Publications, awaken his attention to the awful 
state of the heathen world. He offers himself to this service ; 
he persuades himself that he is sincere, and he really is sincere. 
Prudent counsellors advise him to much prayer, self-examina- 
tion, and a diligent study of the Missionary work and its diffi- 
culties, with his own fitness for the labour ; and they give him 
faithful intimations of their own judgment respecting him. 
These may happen to be somewhat humbling, and he receives 
a little check in his view of himself. But he goes to his pre- 
paratory work under the strong bias of new-kindled zeal, with 
little real self-suspicion, and with little actual discernment of 
motives ; and his conclusions are, of course, favourable to his 
wishes. He perseveres, and prevails ; and at length sets forth 
on his high errand, not to teach, alas ! so much as to learn ! — 
to learn that he has deceived himself, and misled others — that 
he is not sufficiently dead to the world — that he is unreason- 
ably careful about his convenience and comforts — that he can- 
not deny his whole self — that he cannot, in lowliness of mind, 
esteem others better than himself— that he cannot keep his 
eye off his own things to look with kind consideration and 



142 



MISSIONARY QUALIFICATIONS. 



[Chap. IX. 



strict impartiality on the things of others — that he cannot lie at 
the feet of his Master, and at the feet of his brethren, for his 
Master's sake. He learns somewhat of these painful lessons 
before he reaches the heathen shores ; and when he enters on 
his work, still he has much to learn before he can effectually 
teach. He counted little, in theory and at home, of privations, 
and difficulties, and opposition, and enmity, and strange man- 
ners, and new modes of thinking, and prejudices, and dulness, 
and disappointments. He read of all these, and thought 
lightly of them ; but he has now to learn that he is come to 
this arduous work inadequately prepared — that, as he knew but 
little of himself, so he knows but little of those among whom 
he is to live— that he wants that good sense, that intelligence, 
that self-command, that unwearied patience, that condescending 
kindness, and that knowledge of the heart which are abso- 
lutely requisite to the full discharge of his high calling. And 
well will it be for him if he discern this ; and if, feeling his 
own deficiencies, he go humbly to his Heavenly Master, and 
diligently learn, that he may be enabled well to occupy such 
talents as may have been entrusted to him in teaching others. 
The wisest and best of our Missionaries must learn in this 
way : but they know this ; and their good sense, and their dili- 
gent study of their own hearts and of mankind, have prepared 
them to learn with rapidity, when on heathen ground, the best 
methods of commending their message to the men among 
whom they are to live : while others will give way to discon- 
tent, and peevishness, and selfishness ; and will grow listless, 
and ultimately, unless Divine mercy arrest their progress, utterly 
unprofitable in the great work which they have undertaken. 

" We have no pleasure in drawing such a sketch of human 
infirmities ; and rejoice to believe that but a few, in any consi- 
derable degree, answer to this picture : but we sincerely hope 
that this statement of facts, which, in various measures, have 
too often occurred, may act as a caution to those who are pur- 
posing to offer themselves to this service. 



1817.] 



MISSIONARY QUALIFICATIONS. 



143 



" We know the difficulties under which the different Socie- 
ties labour in their judgment of candidates. Where there are 
apparent integrity, and piety, and zeal, there is yet sometimes 
an absence of decided missionary talent ; and where there 
are talent, and even sincerity, there is too often a want of the 
missionary soul. There is, not seldom, a moderate portion 
of various Missionary virtues which together form a character 
which you cannot disapprove, and are reluctant to reject ; but 
there is an absence of those decided and positive missionary 
gifts and graces which would lead you to send such an one 
forth with confidence and joy. 

" We would not be supposed to undervalue men of a hea- 
venly character, though not of a superior mind. No ; such 
men, by their humility and unwearied kindness of spirit, are 
the stay and comfort of their brethren : they conciliate and win 
the native mind ; and they call down the blessing of their Lord 
on the undertaking in which they are engaged. 

" But, perhaps, Christians have failed here in the great duty 
of prayer. The devoted Missionary is the greatest character 
in the Church of Christ : all the mere dignities of outward sta- 
tion sink before the grandeur of his mind and purpose. But 
the greatest of all human Missionaries was specially prepared 
and trained for his arduous service ; and the more we study 
the history of those men who have most fully imbibed his 
spirit, and imitated his labours, the more clearly shall we dis- 
cern the providential and gracious influence which guided them 
from their earliest years. The true Missionary must be a man 
peculiarly called and prepared of Him who divideth to every 
man severally as He will. 

" Let us then, Christians, in all our prayers for the success 
of Missions, never fail to beseech the Lord of the harvest that 
He would send forth labourers into His harvest ; that He would 
graciously prepare, from their youthful years, by the leadings 
of His Providence and the influences of His Holy Spirit, able 



144 



MR. SCOTT. 



[Chap. IX. 



and devoted servants for the advancement of His kingdom in 
the world. 

" Oh, how does the heart cling to the name and deeds of 
such men of God ! We need not point out these Christian 
heroes. Every Society actively engaged in promoting the 
knowledge of Christ in the world is blessed with such men. 
May every returning year multiply their number manifold !" 

The Rev. Thomas Scott had for several years 
undertaken the instruction of the Missionaries pre- 
viously to their quitting England for their destina- 
tions. But his increasing years and declining health, 
as well as the growing extent and importance of the 
Society, rendered it necessary to make some new ar- 
rangement for the preparation of a larger number of 
candidates. To the last, however, Mr. Scott laboured 
in the cause which he so much loved, and to which 
he had devoted some of his best energies. He rejoiced 
to see others entering into his labours. The following 
extract from one of his letters will be read with in- 
terest : — 

" Aston Sandford, March 15, 1817. 
" As to myself, I am just well enough to be nearly constantly 
employed ; but with increasing infirmities, and weariness, and 
pains : yet, bless God, nothing very acute. Sometimes an 
attack of fever lays me by awhile ; but hitherto it is gone off by 
proper means. I have, however, finished my seventy years, 
and must expect labour and sorrow. Pray for me, that I be 
supported to the end, and finish my course with joy : and may 
the Lord bless and prosper you and yours, and all your labours 
of love. With kind remembrance to Mrs. Pratt, 

" I remain, Dear Sir, your faithful friend and brother, 

" Thomas Scott." 



1815.] 



THE BASLE INSTITUTION. 



145 



In the midst of his infirmities, however, Mr. Scott 
was not idle. Mr. Pratt writes to the Rev. Mar ma- 
duke Thompson at Madras, in November, 1817 : — 

ee Bible Scott, as he is expressly called, is still alive, and is 
exerting himself in writing fresh books. His declining years 
are greatly comforted by the wonderful things which God is 
now doing in the earth." 

It has ever been a standing rule of the Church Mis- 
sionary Society, that " A friendly intercourse shall be 
maintained with other Protestant Societies engaged 
in the same benevolent design of propagating the 
Gospel of Jesus Christ." The war in which this coun- 
try had been so long engaged, had nearly precluded 
any application of this rule beyond the limits of the 
United Kingdom. But the return of universal peace, 
in the year 1815, afforded an opportunity for renewing 
that friendly intercourse, which all true Christians 
throughout the world will ever desire to maintain. 
The friends of the Society gladly availed themselves 
of this opening to diffuse information on the subject 
of Missions, and to offer to Foreign Protestants every 
practicable degree of co-operation. Amongst other 
results one was, the commencement of a correspon- 
dence with a new Missionary Institution established 
at Basle, which owed its origin to the piety of some 
excellent Christians in that city. Preserved from the 
desolation and ruin with which they had been threat- 
ened by the war of 1815, they considered that they 
could not give a better token of their gratitude than 
by the erection of a Missionary College, from which 
the heralds of the Gospel might go forth to proclaim 



146 



THE BASLE INSTITUTION. 



[Chap. IX. 



" peace " to the heathen. Meanwhile, though a lively 
interest on the subject of Missions had been awakened 
in England, and many of our own countrymen had 
come forward to enlist in the service, yet, after all, the 
supply of suitable men had not kept pace with the 
demand : labourers of the right stamp were still the 
great desideratum. In July, 1818, Mr. Pratt writes 
to Mr. Thomason : — 

" Men we could have in abundance ; but we have learned 
by dear-bought experience to look for much more than ho- 
nesty of intention. Ignorance, incapacity, and many infir- 
mities may be compatible with such honesty, but they dis- 
qualify men for usefulness. We feel the importance of simply 
looking to God in nothing more than in the preparation, in His 
providence and grace, of real men of God for His especial ser- 
vice among the heathen. We have all failed, perhaps, here : 
let it be a part of our unwearied intercession before the 
Throne." 

And further on he adds : — 

" Our prosperity is steadily growing ; but our trials keep 
pace with it. Packets crowd in from our Foreign Stations, 
and every one almost contains matter for sorrow and joy. Oh ! 
it is men that we want : men of God : men who have really 
counted the cost : men who sacrifice self-will at the foot of 
the cross as well as self-love. Pray for us, that our Great 
Lord would send us such men ; and give us wisdom and love to 
direct them aright." 

In this exigency, the establishment of the Basle In- 
stitution was of peculiar importance, and the Society 
gladly availed themselves of it. This is one of those 
events which mark the good providence of God bless- 
ing the plans and efforts of the Society ; for some of 



1818.] 



THE BASLE INSTITUTION. 



147 



their most efficient Missionaries have been supplied 
from Basle, which still continues to be a most im- 
portant Auxiliary in furnishing valuable labourers. 
The first students from this Institution were under 
preparation in 1818. The following extract from a 
letter of Mr. Pratt to the Principal, the Rev. Theo- 
philus Blumhardt, marks the high class of Missio- 
naries he was seeking to engage 

" It is necessary to the furthering of the Society's designs 
that these students should be men of superior piety, talents, 
and learning. It is probable that most of them will go to 
India, and we wish them therefore to be men of well-informed 
and enlarged minds, such as would be fit to occupy the office 
of Christian Pastors among any class of society. We shall 
not be in haste to call them forth to the service. We want 
maturity of judgment, deep experience of themselves and of the 
grace of our Lord, knowledge of the world, competent learn- 
ing, and good and open and kind manners. We should prefer 
men who have received an early education. They should be 
men of self-denying, mortified, and humble spirits — of lively 
faith, and ardent love to Christ and to the souls of the heathen. 
The guilt and misery of the heathen should have been so 
deeply impressed on their hearts, and the glory of Christ in 
their conversion so strongly felt, that they should prefer this 
service to any other in the world. Latin, Greek, and Hebrew 
should be familiar to them, and a consequent facility of ac- 
quiring a knowledge of the languages of the heathen. They 
must agree to the use of our English Liturgy, and of our plain 
and simple discipline, if requisite. They must not entertain 
any thought of engagements leading to marriage, without the 
full and explicit consent of the Society. 

" I have entered into these particulars, dear Sir, that we 
may the more fully understand one another." 

L 2 



148 



THE BASLE INSTITUTION. 



[Chap. IX. 



The students who are now received from this Insti- 
tution come to England as laymen, and after a course 
of training are presented to the Bishop of London, as 
candidates for ordination in the English Church. But 
before this arrangement was made, those who were 
engaged in the Society's Missions with Lutheran Or- 
ders undertook to use the English Liturgy, and to 
bring up their converts in the doctrine and discipline 
of the Church of England. This appears from the 
following extract from a letter addressed by Mr. 
Blumhardt to Mr. Pratt : — 

" Basle, 29th June, 1821. 
" We deem it very reasonable that all the Missionaries of 
your Society adopt the excellent Liturgy and discipline of 
your Church, and act in the same manner, in all respects, as 
your own clergymen do, who are in the service of your Society. 
All our students are prepared for it ; and after having perused 
your Common-Prayer Book, they find not the least doubt to 
accept of it as their own, and to conform themselves, from 
a full conviction of their hearts, to the ordinances of your 
Church." 

It was soon after this period, that the Society at 
home, taught by growing experience, felt compelled 
to adopt some different course in the selection and pre- 
paration of Missionaries, from that which they had 
hitherto pursued. Their usual practice had been, to 
place each applicant with some Clergyman for six 
months on probation, and, if approved, to continue 
him with that Clergyman, or send him to one of the 
Universities, till ready to be presented for Holy Orders. 
The results of this arrangement had been, in various 
ways, unsatisfactory. Mr. Pratt had repeatedly urged 



1822—1826.] THE ISLINGTON INSTITUTION. 



149 



the necessity of having some collegiate establishment 
near London, in which the students might be brought 
together, and trained under the more direct observa- 
tion of the Committee and officers by some able and 
experienced Mind ; their true qualities developed ; 
the best instructors in every department of knowledge 
procured at the smallest expense ; attachment fos- 
tered between the Society and its Missionaries ; and 
the accumulating experience of the Missionary corps 
brought to bear on the preparation of the future la- 
bourer. These views we find brought forward by Mr. 
Pratt in an Appeal, prepared and signed by him as 
Secretary April 15, 1822, for "a separate subscription 
for the establishment of a Seminary at Islington." 
Some excellent friends objected to the measure on the 
ground of the expense. The result, however, was, 
the opening of the present Institution with great so- 
lemnity January 31, 1825, when Mr. Pratt invoked 
the Divine blessing in prayer. The foundation stone 
of the new buildings was laid July 31, 1826, when 
the present Bishop of Calcutta, then Vicar of Isling- 
ton, made an excellent address on the importance of 
the combination of sound knowledge and learning 
with scriptural piety in the Missionary ; and Mr. 
Pratt offered up a dedicatory prayer. (See Appendix.) 
The Bishop of London has repeatedly borne testi- 
mony to the high qualifications of the Missionaries 
presented to him for Holy Orders from this Institu- 
tion ; and the admirable results prove the ripeness of 
judgment with which it was suggested and pressed on 
the Society. 



CHAPTER X. 



1817—1821. 

THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY IS ATTACKED BY THE ARCHDEACON OF 
BATH DEFENCE BY THE REV. D. WILSON ADVANTAGES "WHICH RE- 
SULT A KING'S LETTER IN BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING 

THE GOSPEL — MR. PRATT PUBLISHES A WORK INTITULED " PROPAGANDA" 
— THE NEW IMPULSE IN BEHALF OF MISSIONS IS COMMUNICATED TO 
AMERICA — CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN BISHOPS GRISWOLD AND WHITE 
AND MR. PRATT — THE AMERICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH ESTABLISHES A 

MISSIONARY SOCIETY MR. PRATT COMMUNICATES ON THE SUBJECT OF 

MISSIONS WITH OTHER CHRISTIAN BODIES IN THE UNITED STATES. 

At the close of the year 1817, a very unexpected at- 
tempt was made to arrest the onward progress of the 
Church Missionary Society ; but, as on similar occa- 
sions, it was an event which turned out to the further- 
ance of the Gospel. 

Mr. Pratt and his co-adjutor, Mr. Bickersteth, were 
invited to Bath to establish an Association in that city. 
Every arrangement being made, a numerous and highly 
respectable Meeting was held for this purpose at the 
Guildhall, on the 1st of December. The Bishop of 
Gloucester, who was also Dean of the neighbouring 
city of Wells, and a Vice-Patron of the Society, took 
the chair, and opened the business of the day by a very 
impressive statement of the obligation on all present, 
as Christians, as Britons, and as Churchmen, to support 
Missionary exertions ; urging the necessity for such an 
Institution as the Church Missionary Society, in order 



18] 7.] PROTEST OF THE ARCHDEACON OF BATH. 151 

to enable Churchmen in particular to fulfil these obli- 
gations. 

Mr. Pratt had just risen to lay the claims of the So- 
ciety before the Meeting, when he was unexpectedly 
interrupted by the Archdeacon of Bath ; who stated 
that he came to enter a protest, in the name of his Dio- 
cesan and brethren, against the invasion of the diocese 
by such a Society. He stated that a Missionary Society 
connected with the Church — that for Propagating the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts — was already in existence, and 
therefore the establishment of another Society was 
unnecessary, and even factious. And he made a 
personal attack upon the Right Reverend Prelate 
who occupied the chair, accusing him to his face 
of intruding within the jurisdiction of a brother 
Bishop. 

When the Archdeacon had concluded his address, 
he abruptly left the hall, and Mr. Pratt proceeded to 
detail the history, objects, and success of the Society 
which had been thus rudely assailed, and urged its 
claims for support on all who loved the doctrines and 
worship of the Church, and had imbibed her apo- 
stolical spirit. 

During the Archdeacon's address the Meeting began 
on several occasions to manifest feelings of displeasure, 
which were with some difficulty suppressed by the 
Right Reverend Chairman, who entreated them to 
listen with patience to the close — a courtesy which 
he considered due to the Archdeacon's station in the 
Church, although he had so unwarrantably obtruded 
himself upon a Meeting, which was so far select, that 



152 



DEFENCE OF THE SOCIETY. 



[Chap. X. 



the advertisements had invited only " the friends of 
the Society " to attend. 

After this violent attack, several pamphlets on both 
sides of the question speedily issued from the press ; 
and amongst them appeared the masterly "Defence" 
of the Society from the pen of the Rev. D. Wilson, now 
Bishop of Calcutta, which rapidly went through seven- 
teen or eighteen editions. It entered fully and deeply 
into the whole question ; and it stands to this day as 
a bold and comprehensive exhibition of the broad 
principles of the Society, in behalf of which it was 
written. The Bishop of Norwich, in writing to Mr, 
Bickersteth, thus notices it :— 

" dear sir — - 

" Our noble cause has found an able and judicious advocate 
in Mr. Wilson. It would be well for the Established Church 
and for religion in general, if we were all of us, who are mini- 
sters of the Gospel, animated by the same truly Christian 
spirit ; a spirit which ought to be the characteristic of every 
one who is in earnest a follower of Him, who came down from 
heaven to proclaim ' peace and good-will toward men.' Re- 
member me kindly to Mr. Pratt, and 

" Believe me, sincerely yours, &c. 

" H. Norwich." 

" 45 Wimpole Street, January the 18th, 1818." 

It is worthy of remark, that it proved in the end, 
that this Protest was made wholly upon the Archdea- 
con's own personal responsibility, without the concur- 
rence or previous knowledge of his Diocesan ; with 
whom, indeed, the Right Rev. Chairman had, contrary 
to the Archdeacon's assumption, previously commu- 
nicated upon the subject of his presiding on this 



1818.] 



ADVANTAGEOUS RESULTS. 



153 



occasion. Another remarkable circumstance was, that 
the Archdeacon, who pointed with such triumph to the 
operations of the Society for Propagating the Gospel, 
was not even himself a subscriber to that Society. 

It cannot be wondered at, then, that when these 
things became known, the Protest defeated its own 
end. Its effect was, happily, not only to give a fresh 
impulse to the general cause of Missions, but more 
especially to re-animate the older Societies with new 
life. In the following letter Mr. Pratt traces some of 
these happy results : — 

To the Rev. T. T. Thomason. 

" London, July 21, 1818. 

" MY DEAR BROTHER — 

****** * 

" Wonderful things have taken place among us since I wrote 
to you. You will have seen ere this something of the attack 
made on us by the Archdeacon of Bath. The papers have teemed 
with this business. We have sent you some of the chief pub- 
lications. The Archdeacon has unwittingly served that great 
cause which lies, we trust, nearest our hearts. He gave the 
Society for Propagating the Gospel credit for doing so much, 
that some of our rulers in the Church have felt it needful to do 
more than it had ever entered into their minds to contemplate. 
And now, by virtue of a King's Letter, to be issued in due 
time, all the Clergy will be enjoined to plead the cause of 
Christian Missions, and that with special reference to India. 
For the Society, in order to do what it could with despatch, 
has placed 5000/. at the disposal of the Bishop of Calcutta 
[Bishop Middleton], in order to promote Missionary objects ; 
and now comes forward with an especial claim of support from 
Churchmen, because it is about to commence Missions in India, 
on a large scale, under the sanction of the Bishop of Calcutta. 
" Had any one told me, when I and my excellent associate 



154 



ROYAL LETTER FOR THE SOCIETY 



[Chap. X. 



Mr. Bickersteth were travelling to Bath, to attend the famous 
Meeting of Dec. 1, 1817, that in less than six months such a 
measure should be determined on by Authority, no sagacity of 
ours could have devised by what means such an event could 
have been accomplished ; but we would adore the wisdom and 
goodness of our God, and pray for the man who has been the 
undesigning instrument of so much good." 

He adverts to the same topics, adding one or two 
particulars, in writing to his friend Mr. Corrie : — 

" You will have heard, before you receive this, of our late 
conflicts and difficulties. God has graciously overruled a 
violent attack made on us by the Archdeacon of Bath, to the in- 
crease of our own funds, and to the provoking to jealousy of the 
Christian-Knowledge Society and of the Society for Propa- 
gating the Gospel. The Christian-Knowledge Society is edu- 
cating some English Missionaries, and the Society for Propa- 
gating the Gospel has placed 5000/. at the disposal of the 
Bishop of Calcutta, and is about to obtain a King's Letter for 
collections throughout all churches and chapels in England and 
Wales ! Is not this wonderful ? Could you have conceived 
any means, when among us, by which the Clergy, willing and 
unwilling, should be constrained in all their pulpits to plead 
the cause of Missions ? — and of Missions to India ! True, 
numbers will make this a reason for not aiding us [of the 
Church Missionary Society] ; but they will be made to aid 
that Cause which is dearer, we trust, to all our hearts, than any 
consideration respecting ourselves." 

The great movement which thus so unexpectedly 
sprang out of the occurrences at Bath, was still further 
promoted by an admirable discourse preached before 
the Society for Propagating the Gospel, on the 19th 
of February following (1819), by the Bishop of Glou- 
cester. Mr. Pratt printed an abstract of this sermon 



1818.] FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 155 

in the "Register" (1819, pp. 250 — 258), as he consi- 
dered it highly calculated to promote the general 
Cause. 

The events of this most interesting epoch in the his- 
tory of Missionary efforts at home, gave occasion for 
the exercise of that disinterested zeal and catholic 
spirit, which were among the prominent features 
of his character. He was filled with the love of 
Christ; and the free and full proclamation of the 
blessed Gospel, by whatever means, throughout the 
world, was the thing he ardently longed for. He re- 
joiced in the prosperity of all who promoted that great 
end. The circumstance to which we allude was this : — 
In preparing to preach in obedience to the King's Let- 
ter, he searched the printed documents of the Society 
for Propagating the Gospel, and was struck by the many 
able appeals contained in the annual Sermons which 
had been preached before the Society. It immediately 
occurred to him, that these might be made available 
in promoting the objects of the Letter issued by Royal 
authority in its behalf. 

The feeling which made it natural for him to be 
strongly attached to his own Society would have pro- 
duced in many others, not endowed so largely as he 
was with " the mind that was in Christ," if not jea- 
lousy, yet at least silence, respecting an institution, 
many of whose warmest advocates had looked with 
suspicion upon the rise of that Society of which he was 
the active Secretary, whilst, in some instances, they 
had opposed its progress. But, with the quickness of 
perception for which he was remarkable in seizing the 



156 



MR. PRATT PUBLISHES A 



[Chap. X. 



right time for doing the right thing, he saw that the 
present was a crisis not to be neglected. He felt that 
though this new movement, which, like a tidal wave, 
was spreading far and wide and agitating the public 
mind, originated somewhat in a spirit of rivalry ; yet 
the impulse w T ould be communicated to multitudes 
who would turn it to good account, if their minds 
were directed into a right channel. 

He exulted in the prospect of the wiiole kingdom 
being aroused by royal authority to consider the claims 
of the heathen upon the compassion of the Church ; 
but he felt that if the heralds had no message to com- 
municate, and no facts and appeals by which to stir 
up the people, the command would go forth in vain. 
The great body of the clergy, who were to be the im- 
mediate agents in the performance of this duty, were 
really grievously ignorant upon Missionary subjects^ 
as well as deficient in Missionary zeal; and to very 
few of them were the works accessible which would 
afford the requisite information. To supply this desi- 
deratum he set himself to work in earnest. 

No time was to be lost. A sufficiently rapid as 
well as extensive circulation of any pamphlet, bearing 
marks of connection with the Church Missionary So- 
ciety, among the class of persons whom he wished to 
reach, would have been next to impossible. Under 
these circumstances, it occurred to him to collect, in 
a compendious volume, copious extracts from the an- 
nual sermons, which had been preached during more 
than one hundred years past by the Bishops and 
dignitaries of the Church, before the very Society in 



1819.] 



PAMPHLET CALLED "PROPAGANDA." 



157 



behalf of which the Royal Letter was issued. He 
published his work May 1, 1819, as By a Member of the 
Society, without attaching his name, and under the 
following title — " Propaganda : being an Abstract of 
the Designs and Proceedings of the Incorporated So- 
ciety for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign 
Parts ; with Extracts from the Annual Sermons." It 
was dedicated to the Archbishops, Bishops, and Clergy 
of the United Kingdom and its dependencies, " with 
an earnest hope and prayer that it" might "be ren- 
dered the means of cherishing throughout the Esta- 
blished Church a spirit of holy zeal and enlarged 
charity for the conversion of the heathen." 

The design succeeded even beyond expectation. 
The book was received with great favour in high 
quarters, and its circulation was rapid. A second edi- 
tion was soon called for, and issued from the press 
eight months after the publication of the first. It was 
noticed in the Christian Remembrancer, as " a particu- 
larly well-timed and useful compilation :" and the re- 
viewer closes his remarks with the following general 
commendation : — 

" We can warmly recommend it to every one who wishes to 
make himself acquainted with the principles and practice of 
the Society, and has no objection to receive a great deal of in- 
formation in a very small compass." 

Mr. Pratt transmitted copies to his friends in India. 
He writes to the Rev. M. Thompson of Madras, 
May 26, 1819 :— 

" You will receive herewith some copies of a book intituled 



158 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. X. 



Propaganda, which will explain itself. It has been compiled 
by your present correspondent, but, of course, anonymously, 
lest the workman should offend. You will see how strong the 
testimony is, which our dignitaries bear to Missions. Please 
to disperse these copies to advantage." 

Under the same date, he writes to the Rev. T. T. 
Thomason, transmitting to him also some copies of 
the book : — 

" Will you do me the favour to present one to the Bishop 
of Calcutta, in my name, with my best respects ? I am sure he 
will not think the worse of it for old acquaintance' sake. The 
rest you will make the best use of in your power. They fur- 
nish in their contents a noble sanction to India Missions." 

Bishop Middleton wrote to thank Mr. Pratt for his 
copy : the Bishop's letter has not been found, but the 
following extracts from Mr. Pratt's reply sufficiently 
shew the tenor of his Lordship's communication : — 

To the Lord Bishop of Calcutta. 

" London, June 5, 1820. 

" MY LORD — 

" I beg to acknowledge the honour of your Lordship's letter 
of the 1st of January. It has afforded me much gratification that 
your Lordship approves the volume, which I put together from 
the documents of the ' Society for the Propagation of the Go- 
spel in Foreign Parts f and that there is reason to hope that 
it rendered service to the Society, in making its proceedings 
and claims better known. 

" The collections for the Society, as your Lordship will have 
heard, have amounted to about 45,000/. I cannot but hope 
that it will please God to open such opportunities of expendi- 
ture, that the Society may, at no great distance of time, feel 
itself called on to renew its Appeal to the Members of the 



1829.J 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



159 



Establishment. It is a pity that the zeal which has been 
awakened should be suffered to die away ; and I am fully 
satisfied that, if the great body of the clergy would annually 
appeal to their parishioners, the result would be highly bene- 
ficial, both to the contributors and to the cause of Christianity 

among the heathen. 

******* 

"Your Lordship's testimony to the improving aspect of 
affairs in India is very encouraging ; while the apprehension 
which you express, lest religion should not keep pace with the 
increase of knowledge, speaks strongly for the importance of 
introducing Christian books and principles, in every practi- 
cable and prudent way, into our plans for native education. 
" I have the honour to remain, with great respect, 
" My Lord, your Lordship's very obedient servant, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

It is most instructive to trace the sequence of events 
which followed, one after another, upon the memo- 
rable Meeting at Bath in December 1817. In a letter 
to Mr. Corrie, May 26, 1819, Mr. Pratt announces the 
use to which Bishop Middleton was designing to apply 
the large grant of money, which the Society for Propa- 
gating the Gospel had placed at his disposal :— 

" Pray tell Mr. Thomason, what I forgot to mention in my 
letter to him, that the Bishop of Calcutta has written a long 
letter to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, in 
which he purposes to found, with the 5000/. sent him, a Col- 
lege near Calcutta, for the Education of Native and other Mis- 
sionaries, and for the Translation of the Scriptures and Liturgy ; 
and that at a board of the Society, held on Friday last, at which 
five Bishops were present, this plan was approved. The 
Bishop's letter is to be published. Possibly the Bishop's plan 
may have transpired in India : if not, you will all use this in- 
formation as you judge best. 



160 



PROPOSAL FOR FOUNDING 



[Chap. X. 



" We shall all come at last, I cannot but hope, to have his 
Lordship's candid counsel and protection. He has written to 
the Archdeacon of Colombo, in answer to an inquiry as to the 
line of conduct to be pursued towards our Missionaries in 
Ceylon, to the following purport : — ' Respecting your newly- 
arrived Missionaries, Ordained Clergymen, I see no objection 
to their being admitted to preach (for the present at least) at 
the Church in Pettah, provided that they consider preach- 
ing to Europeans any part of their mission ; and generally, I 
should say, they should be received and treated with all cour- 
tesy and kindness, so long as they do not interfere with duties 
to which they have no appointment.' " 

The proposal of founding a College in Calcutta, 
for the admirable objects contemplated by the Bishop, 
seemed so important, that the Church Missionary So- 
ciety were anxious to assist in the great design, and 
at the same time conciliate in every way they could 
the Bishop's regard, without compromising their own 
principles. Mr. Pratt thus apprises Mr. Thomason, 
July 15, 1819, of the step which the Society took : — 

" It was thought a most desirable opportunity for the Church 
Missionary Society to testify its good will to the exertions of 
the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and those of the 
Bishop, the Christian-Knowledge Society having taken the 
lead. On Monday last it was unanimously resolved to place 
5000/. at the Bishop's disposal, through the medium of the 
Corresponding Committee, as the Committee are anxious to 
give you every fair opportunity of conciliating the Bishop to 
yourselves and to our plans. For your fuller information, ex- 
tracts of our minutes will be given below. The sum is given 
quite unconditionally. * * * 

" We now commit this important measure into your hands, 
praying God graciously to direct and overrule that which He, 



1829.] 



A COLLEGE AT CALCUTTA. 



16L 



who searcheth all hearts, knows that we design only for His 
glory, by uniting and extending, in every practicable way, the 
exertions of that Church to which we belong, and which we 
most earnestly wish and labour may ever shew itself as a 
' Pillar and Ground of the Truth.' 

" The Committee wish every thing to be done in the most 
handsome and conciliatory way to the Bishop : and though the 
Resolution does not refer to any future aid to his plans, yet if 
those plans proceed as they seem likely to do, the Committee 
will gladly render such further assistance as may be in their 
power." 

It will not fail to be observed in this, as in other 
instances, how steady and consistent has been the 
attachment of the Church Missionary Society to the 
Church of England ; and this principle, combined 
with the exercise of Christian liberty in cases where 
a sense of duty required it, has led to very beneficial 
results. In steadily aiming at rendering a becoming 
obedience to ecclesiastical authority, it has been the 
means of working out several Missionary Church prin- 
ciples which no former precedents had supplied, and 
which could alone arise from the peculiar character 
of Missionary work. 

The fresh impulse thus given to the Missionary 
cause in England was felt by our brethren on the other 
side of the Atlantic ; and the Church Missionary So- 
ciety had a considerable influence in promoting and 
directing it. 

After the establishment of peace in 1815, Mr. Pratt 
took advantage of the influence which his official posi- 
tion conferred upon him, to open a communication with 
some of the Missionary Institutions in America, but 

M 



162 



FORMATION OF MISSIONARY 



[Chap. X. 



especially with the Bishops of the Episcopal Church 
of the United States ; inviting their co-operation, and 
offering, in the name of the Committee, such aid as it 
might be in the power of the Society to render. He 
commenced the intercourse by transmitting copies of 
the " Missionary Register," and also of the Society's 
Reports. 

At the time of the arrival of his letters, the Bishop 
of the Eastern Diocese, Dr. Griswold, was already 
calling the attention of his Clergy to the importance 
of Missionary objects, in a Charge which he was then 
delivering ; and was also zealously pressing the same 
subject upon the notice of the public, in a Pastoral 
Letter to the Churches, He gratefully acknowledged 
Mr. Pratt's communication in a letter dated July 15 ; 
and in November of the same year he wrote again to 
inform him that a young Clergyman had been found 
in his diocese desirous of going out as a Missionary to 
the heathen, — the Rev. J. R. Andrus ; and proposing 
that he should join the Church Missionary Society. 
To this and his former letter Mr. Pratt replies as 
follows : — 

" To the Right Rev. Bishop Griswold. 

"London, July 31, 1817. 

" Right Rev. Sir — 

" Your letters of the 15th of July and 24th of Nov. last, were 
duly received. My very extensive and important duties as 
Secretary of the Church Missionary Society have prevented me 
from writing before, gratefully to acknowledge the kindness 
with which you had received our communications, and to thank 
you for the important information with which you had fur- 
nished me. 



1S17.] 



INSTITUTIONS IN AMERICA. 



163 



" We have availed ourselves of such parts of your Address 
and Charge as related to Missionary subjects, and have commu- 
nicated them, with your letter to me, to our friends. We were 
anxious to shew them that the hearts of the members of the 
Episcopal Church in America had been warmed in this holy 
cause. 

" Your last letter brings before us a subject of great im- 
portance." 

He here enters upon the subject of Mr. Andrus 
joining the Church Missionary Society ; and takes the 
opportunity of proposing a different plan of operation, 
more calculated to draw out the energies of the 
American Church : — 

" The Committee have thought that the most effectual way 
of raising the Missionary zeal in America would be, the for- 
mation of a Church Missionary Society in the Episcopal Church 
of the United States, which, however small in its beginnings, 
might ultimately so increase as to produce the most extensive 
good." 

He tells the Bishop that to promote this object he 
has forwarded to him various publications ; explains 
the plan of our own Society ; and gives him various 
suggestions how to act, in forming such an Institu- 
tion in the American Church. He then proceeds : — 

" Should the formation of an American Episcopal Missionary 
Society be accomplished, the Committee of the Church Missio- 
nary Society authorise you to draw on me for the sum of 200/. 
to encourage the contributions of the friends of the Episcopal 
Church and of Christianity at large. 

" In this case Mr. Andrus had better be sent to Ceylon 
under the proposed Society, and be instructed to co-operate 
with such of our Missionaries as may be in that island. 

m 2 



164 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH 



[Chap. X. 



" Sir Alexander Johnston, the Chief Justice, earnestly presses 
us to send Clergymen of the Established Church thither ; and 
there is evidently a wide field for the most extensive and im- 
portant labours in that island. 

" I need only, in conclusion, remark, that, after much expe- 
rience, we have invariably found that endeavours to excite and 
foster a Missionary spirit at home, have not only succeeded in 
their immediate objects, but have been of great collateral good 
to the parties themselves ; a spirit of piety has been fostered 
and increased ; the friends of religion, till then little ac- 
quainted with one another, have been brought together ; 
domestic charities have been greatly enlarged : and we have 
all felt the truth of the declaration, ' There is that scattereth 
and yet increaseth.' 

" I am, Right Rev. Sir, 

" With great respect and regard, your faithful servant, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

In September Mr. Pratt wrote a similar letter to 
Bishop White, of Pennsylvania. The suggestion con- 
tained in these communications led to a consultation 
upon the practicability of carrying the proposal into 
effect, and the ultimate result was, the formation of 
a Missionary Society in May 1820, under the authority 
of the Episcopal Church. 

On this subject Bishop Griswold writes to Mr. Pratt 
as follows : — 

" After the Meeting of our General Convention in May last, 
I wrote with intention of giving you advice of what we had 
done ; but through some negligence the letter was not for- 
warded. Others wrote with the like intention, from whom 
probably you have learned that the Convention then formed 
a Missionary Society to be designated ' The Protestant Episco- 
pal Missionary Society in the United States for Foreign and 
Domestic Missions.' In compliance with the wishes of some 



1820.] 



BISHOPS GRISWOLD AND WHITE. 



165 



individuals Domestic Missions are embraced ; but the chief 
object of its promoters is, the propagating of the Gospel in 
foreign parts. What progress has been yet made in collect- 
ing funds I am unable to state. Should the Church Missio- 
nary Society think it fitting and find it convenient to extend to 
us the aid which was once so generously offered, it will be most 
thankfully accepted. Mr. Andrus, whose zeal in the good 
cause is in no degree abated, has been engaged as a Missionary 
and an Agent for the Colonization Society on the coast of 
Africa, for which field of labour he is about this time to embark. 
His labours, we trust, will be much aided and rendered more 
useful by his conducting them in concert with your Missionaries 
on that coast. 

" The publications of the Church Missionary Society do much 
honour to the Institution, and must be very extensively useful, 
The ' Missionary Register ' contains very much information, 
valuable as it is interesting. I have received the 6 Register' 
down to May 1820, with the exception of five Numbers of the 
year 1818 (from August to December inclusive), which by some 
accident or mistake have not come. The Reports of the So- 
ciety and its proceedings sufficiently evince the wisdom, piety, 
and zeal of its members ; and the success which has attended 
its efforts is a further assurance, that the Lord has given you 
the first rank among the many noble instruments with which 
He is doing His work. From the sure word of prophecy, and 
the evident signs of the times, we are authorised in the belief, 
that the unprecedented and most astonishing exaltation of the 
British Empire is, in the wise and gracious purpose of the 
Almighty, intended to facilitate the extension of the Redeemer's 
Kingdom ; that your victorious armies will be the pioneers of 
the Prince of Peace ; and that your fleets, which disperse 
through the earth the various productions of nature and art, 
are destined to be freighted with the richer treasures of the 
Saviour's Gospel. 

" To this country, also, the Lord is pleased to extend His 



166 



BISHOP GRISWOLD. 



[Chap. X. 



blessings, temporal and spiritual. He has many faithful la- 
bourers in this part of His vineyard, and His work, we trust, 
is still advancing. It is, however, not a little impeded by the 
prevalence of unsound doctrines, and of slavery. The latter 
evil is evidently increasing. The pertinacity with which a very 
large part of our citizens adhere to the slave-holding interest 
precludes the hope of this country's soon becoming, what it is 
so often and so absurdly called, ' A land of freedom.' The 
State next to be admitted into the Union has a constitution 
admitting negro slaves, but excluding all that are free ! We 
have reason, however, to bless God that there is on this globe 
one country, at least, into which, if a man steps his foot, he is 
sure not to be a slave. 

" My gratitude is much engaged by your past favours : any 
further communications will be most thankfully received. 

" With sentiments of affection I remain. Dear Sir, 

" Most respectfully your friend and humble servant, 

" Alexander V. Griswold." 

As the influence and extent of the Episcopal 
Church grew, and its attention was called more par- 
ticularly to the vastly increasing population on the 
banks of the Mississippi, it became necessary to 
review the system under which their Missionary ope- 
rations were carried on. The matter was brought 
before the General Convention on three occasions; 
and on the last, in 1835, the new and present ad- 
mirable constitution was decided upon, and the whole 
Church declared itself to be thenceforth, in its very 
nature and obligations, a Missionary body. This was 
the last Convention at which the venerable Bishop 
White presided. On the 17th of July in the following 
year, he departed to his rest, in the fiftieth year of his 
episcopate and the ninety-first of his age. 



1835.] 



AMERICAN MISSIONARY SOCIETIES. 



167 



It was not, however, among the Episcopal body 
alone, that the influence of the Church Missionary 
Society was felt. In the true spirit of the blessed 
Reformers of our Church, Mr. Pratt and his friends 
were ready to hold out the right hand of fellowship 
to the American Board of Foreign Missions, the 
United Foreign Missionary Society, and other Chris- 
tian communities, who were engaged in the same 
great work. 

These movements were mostly confined to the 
Northern States ; but the spirit of Missionary enter- 
prise seemed to be spreading southwards. To a 
Clergyman at Halifax, Nova Scotia, — who, from a love 
to the Missionary cause, and with no present oppor- 
tunity of promoting it through any institution in his 
own neighbourhood, forwarded a subscription through 
Mr. Pratt to the Church Missionary Society, — he wrote 
as follows, in that enlarged spirit of brotherly love 
which so eminently distinguished him : — 

To the Rev. J. T. Twining. 

" London, Feb. 17, 1821. 

" MY DEAR SIR — 

" Nothing but the increasing labours in which I am engaged 
would have prevented me acknowledging before your obliging 
letter. It is a considerable gratification to us to find, that the 
friends of religion in America feel so lively an interest in the 
prosperity of our Society. Indeed, we trust the true spirit of 
enlarged charity, which considers all that love our Saviour and 
desire to promote His glory as one family, and the success of 
one part of this family as' the success of all, is more widely dif- 
fusing itself year by year through the Christian Churches. 
We gratefully accept your subscription as a pleasing proof of 



168 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. X. 



the interest you take in our cause, and as a token that it will 
not be long before you have a Missionary Society in Halifax. 
If you knew all the discouragements under which the Church 
Missionary Society commenced, and those under which most 
of its Associations began, you would more than ever see that 
there is nothing too much to expect when we attempt any 
thing for God, according to His will, and with due dependence 
on His blessing. 

" The Committee will have great pleasure in continuing to 
supply you with our publications from time to time, as we 
have opportunity of sending them to you. 

"We have every reason to believe that the Missionary spirit 
is yearly gaining increasing strength through our country and 
through the world. Indeed, it is our confident hope that the 
Churches of Christ are beginning to take up the steady resolu- 
tion never to rest, never to cease labouring, till the whole world 
hear of and know the only Saviour. 

" The mainspring of our support has been the diffusion of 
information on the subject, Just in proportion as Missionary 
intelligence has been extensively spread, so has support been 
given to the cause ; and I strongly recommend this mode as 
the most effective means of interesting the affections of all 
around you in Christian Missions. 

" With every good wish, I am faithfully yours, 

" Josiah Pratt." 



CHAPTER XL 



1811—1830. 

ORIGIN OF THE MEDITERRANEAN MISSION — MR. MAIR AND DR. NAUDI 

PROPOSAL TO SEND LITERARY REPRESENTATIVES — THE REV. WILLIAM 
JOWETT DEVOTES HIMSELF TO THE WORK — CORRESPONDS WITH DR. 
BUCHANAN — RECEIVES HIS FINAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM MR. PRATT — 
PROCEEDS TO MALTA — TRANSLATION OP THE HOLY SCRIPTURES INTO 
A NATIVE LANGUAGE OF ABYSSINIA — THE REV. JAMES CONNOR GOES OUT 
AS A SECOND LITERARY REPRESENTATIVE — MR. JOWETT RETURNS HOME 

PUBLISHES " CHRISTIAN RESEARCHES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN " — 

RETURNS AGAIN TO MALTA — PUBLISHES THE GOSPEL OF ST. JOHN IN 

MALTESE — RETURNS TO MALTA FOR THE THIRD AND LAST TIME 

REMARKS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. 

In addition to the Missions already noticed, there was 
another, which differed greatly from them in its cha- 
racter and operations. The idea of occupying a 
position in the Mediterranean had been suggested to 
the Society as early as the year 1811, in consequence 
of a letter addressed to Mr. Pratt by a member of 
the Romish Church, resident in Malta. 

It was represented that, the revolutions on the Con- 
tinent having cut off, for the time, the resources of the 
ancient Romish Society De Propaganda Fide, the Mis- 
sions maintained by that body were dwindling away ; 
and the design of Mr. Pratt's correspondent (himself 
obscurely feeling after better things) was, to urge the 
Church Missionary Society to meet this opportunity by 
sending some well-qualified men to carry the Gospel 
into the Levant, and throughout the Greek Archipelago, 



170 



MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. 



[Chap. XI. 



where there were promising prospects of usefulness. The 
objects proposed were, to revive decayed Christianity, 
and to instruct Mahomedans in the faith of Christ. 

Dr. Naudi, the gentleman above alluded to, opened 
the correspondence with Mr. Pratt through the means 
of H. C. Mair, Esq., a warm friend of the Society, 
who had been spending the previous winter in Malta 
on account of his health. 

In what light the Society regarded this new pro- 
posal, will be seen by the following reply of Mr. Pratt 
to Dr. Naudi, dated October 19, 1811 : — 

" It gave me great pleasure to receive your letter of June 2d 
last by the hand of our friend Mr. Mair. I laid it before the 
Committee of the ' Society for Missions to Africa and the East,' 
of which Society I am Secretary. The Committee feel the 
great importance of the object which you propose. They beg 
you to accept a copy of the ' Proceedings' of the Society. By 
these you will perceive that our Society is as yet in its infancy, 
and that its attempts to diffuse the light of the glorious Gospel 
have been hitherto principally directed to the western coast of 
Africa, We have also in our country such a demand for the 
service of pious and zealous Ministers, that but few can be 
found inclined to go abroad on foreign Missions. I have con- 
versed with Mr. Mair on this subject. He tells me, that the 
Archbishop of Aleppo would ordain any proper young man 
whom we should send out. It would be more easy for us, per- 
haps, to send out men not yet ordained, than to send out such 
as are already employed actively as Ministers at home. Yet 
we do not despair but that, on representing the case of the 
East in our next Annual Report, some zealous Clergymen may 
be disposed to come forward and offer themselves as Missiona- 
ries to that quarter of the world. If two or three pious Greeks 
could be found who would come over to this country for edu- 



1811.] 



DR. BUCHANAN'S PROPOSAL. 



171 



cation, I suppose our Society would gladly take them under 

their protection. 

******* 

" Allow me, my dear Sir, to congratulate you on the means 
and opportunities which your situation affords to you of assist- 
ing the efforts of your fellow-Christians, in enlightening the 
countries around you, and on the zealous desire which God 
has given you to avail yourself of these opportunities. He that 
watereth shall be watered himself. And surely there is no 
employ so noble, or so suited to a sinner redeemed by the 
precious blood of the Son of God, as to labour to his utmost 
power to bring all men to their Saviour, that they may not 
perish but have everlasting life. May the grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the 
Holy Ghost be with you and all the Church of God. Amen." 

The disturbed state of the Continent, as well as the 
difficulty, alluded to in this letter, of immediately en- 
gaging proper agents, for a long time prevented the 
Society's following up the suggestion of Dr. Naudi : 
but it was felt, as Mr. Pratt wrote, " that Malta had 
not been placed in our hands merely for the extension 
and security of our political greatness :" and the So- 
ciety accordingly endeavoured to secure the services 
of some young men to carry out the desired object. 

It was about this time that Dr. Buchanan published 
his work on Colonial Episcopal Establishment, already 
noticed.* In that publication he recommended a 
plan of sending Literary Representatives of the 
Church, to reside at places contiguous to the scenes of 
Christian antiquity; whose office it should be, to gather 



* See Chap. V. p. 74. 



172 



MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. 



[Chap. XI. 



and communicate information upon matters connected 
with the diffusion of Christian truth, — to point out 
proper places for Christian Missions, — and generally 
to interest themselves in whatever might be serviceable 
to religion and the promotion of Christianity. 

The Society at length met with one willing to de- 
vote himself to this interesting sphere of labour. He 
was a near relative of Mr. Pratt — his brother-in-law, 
the Rev. William Jowett, then Fellow of St. John's 
College, Cambridge. It was in October, 1813, that 
Mr. Jowett offered his services, and was accepted by 
the Society as their Literary Representative for 
Malta and the Levant. From this time he began 
assiduously to occupy himself in preparation for his 
future labours. 

In the meantime Dr. Naudi visited this country, 
when Mr. Pratt made his personal acquaintance, and 
obtained what fresh information he could for the di- 
rection of the new operations which the Society were 
about to commence. On his departure to his native 
island in the spring of 1814, Mr. Pratt wrote to him 
to thank him for his assistance, and to express his 
personal regard towards him : — 

" You will return to your native isle after your sojourn in 
ours with renewed desires and resolutions, I doubt not, to de- 
vote yourself to the spiritual good of mankind : and I cannot 
but hope that through the means of those Societies*, of which 
you are the zealous friend, the moral and religious state of the 



* The Church Missionary Society, British and Foreign Bible Society, 
and the Jews' Society. 



1813.] 



DR. NAUDI AND DR. BUCHANAN. 



173 



Levant will rapidly improve. I shall not cease to remember 
you in earnest prayer, that, in those great things which accom- 
pany salvation wherein we both agree, we may be daily making 
advances towards perfection. God is dealing in a wonderful 
manner with the nations of the earth ; and we cannot doubt 
that, in this " shaking of the nations," His kingdom will come. 

" I wish you a happy and prosperous voyage, and beg a 
remembrance in your prayers." 

Concerning this gentleman, to whose correspond- 
ence the origin of the Malta Mission may in a slight 
degree be traced, it is unnecessary to make further 
mention : except only to notice, that in subsequent 
years he rendered cheerful services to many Missio- 
naries; though he continued to the last a member of 
the Roman-Catholic communion. He died of cholera 
a few years since, in his native island. 

It is to Dr. Buchanan that the honour may more 
properly be awarded, of having laid, in conjunction 
with Mr. Pratt, the foundation of this Mission. In the 
year 1811 he had formed the design of personally 
visiting Syria and the Holy Land : and in 1813, as 
above stated, he threw out -the idea of Literary Repre- 
sentatives. He was consequently prepared to enter 
with peculiar interest into the plans of the Church 
Missionary Society for the Levant. Mr. Pratt, who 
had a natural sympathy with minds of a highly prac- 
tical character, entered into Dr. Buchanan's feelings, 
and suggested to Mr. Jowett that he should correspond 
with him on the subject. He accordingly did so ; 
and a few very brief extracts from the reply to his 
inquiries are here inserted : — 



174 



MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. 



[Chap. XI. 



" You will not be able (Dr. Buchanan writes) to obtain much 
that will be useful to you from books. Your path is new. You 
must be made fit for your undertaking on the spot ; for the 
precise duties will vary considerably at different Stations. 

" After you have been some months in the place, you will 
begin to understand what ought to be the chief measures to 
be adopted for the promotion of Christian knowledge. Con- 
sider Malta as the centre of correspondence. Wherever you 
hear of a religious man, even to the confines of J erusalem, and 
can write to him in his own language, address him on the 
subject of Bibles. He will soon answer you, when he finds it 
will be to his advantage ; and these answers are the documents 
which your Society wishes to see. 

" It is not worth your while to leave Malta for any other 
place, until you shall have acquired the language of that place. 

" Form personal friendship with men of real piety, if such 
you can find; and in their society cherish vital religion in 
your own heart. These good men are the instruments which 
your employers at home hope to find, and on whom they can 
depend for the prosecution of ulterior measures. And it may 
happen that Providence has sent you forth, not so much to 
benefit the Society as to benefit yourself."* 



* The following extracts from a letter of Mr. Jowett to his mother, 
dated Nottingham, Oct. 23d, 1813, giving the result of two lengthened 
interviews with which he was favoured by Dr. Buchanan, and in which 
the state of Religion at that time, both at home and abroad, was freely 
discussed, will be read with interest. Incidentally they shew the pecu- 
liar value of Mr. Pratt's public services, at the critical period of the 
renewal of the East- India Company's Charter that very summer, and the 
consequent immediate enlargement of the Society's funds and operations. 
Mr. Jowett writes : — 

" He asked much about the Church Missionary Society, its funds, its 
principal supporters, and active members. I stated that Mr. Pratt, with 
two other clergymen, had just left Norwich, where they had collected 
nearly 1000Z. It did him good to hear it: who else were the active 

members ? 



1813.] 



INSTRUCTIONS TO MR. JOWETT. 



175 



On the 14th of August, 1815, Mr.Jowett received 
his final Instructions* on the eve of his departure. 
These were drawn up by Mr. Pratt, and they ably 
set forth the objects which the Society had in view in 
taking up this new Mission, and the manner in which 
they proposed to carry them out. Upon this extended 
Document he appears to have bestowed peculiar pains, 
and it ranks among the most elaborate, complete, and 
finished of his productions. The scene before him 
was indeed inspiring ; and the ground to be entered 
upon was, in a manner, sacred. The objects for re- 
search and labour were wonderfully diversified ; while 
the sudden and complete pacification of Europe, after 
an intense struggle of twenty years' duration, opened 
channels of usefulness almost unbounded. To which 
might be added the personal interest which he took 
in the future career of one who, on his part, looked 



members % I mentioned Mr. Woodd, with his 1050/. from the Yorkshire 
tour ; Mr. Goode's 300/. or 400/. in Cheshire ; and Mr. Stewart's 200/. in 
Hampshire. He said that Mr. Pratt had a great deal to do, and that these 
things would reward him as the fruit of his long exertions, for that to him, 
and his great readiness in printing what was proper, was owing this 
increase of the Society's funds. He had better give up a lectureship than 
give up his present situation, with all its labours : for he can get any body 
to stand up in his place and preach ; but he cannot get any body to do the 
work that he does for the Society. Dr. Buchanan remarked, ' How 
curious that none of the Bishops join! What are they afraid of?' but 
added, 4 They are fallen on times that will give them no peace ; the time 
is come ; the time is come ; and if they do not bestir themselves in this 
great work, other denominations will/" 

* See Appendix V. of Sixteenth Report of the Church Missionary 
Society. 



176 



MR. PRATT'S INSTRUCTIONS 



[Chap. XI. 



up to Mr. Pratt with little less than filial reverence 
and affection. 

THE ACQUIRING OF INFORMATION and THE PROPAGA- 
TION of christian knowledge, were the two leading 
points to which Mr. Jowett's attention was directed in 
these Instructions. 

The topics of investigation were to be, The State 
of Religion and Society in the countries bordering on 
the Mediterranean, and the best means of their ame- 
lioration. 

" The shores of the Mediterranean " — to quote the language 
of Mr. Pratt in addressing his relative — " have been the 
theatre of the most interesting events in the history of man : but, 
now for ages, these shores have been enveloped in the mists 
of ignorance and superstition, and their inhabitants weighed 
down by the heavy hand of fanaticism and barbarity. A death- 
like stillness shocks the Christian ear. 

" But this cannot remain. We know that True Religion 

must regain its dominion We send you forth as a 

Christian traveller to inquire into the best means of extending 
its peaceful and beneficent sway. God has bestowed on you, 
we trust, an eye that will discern things in their true colours, 
and a heart to feel at the sight as becomes a Christian. We 
hope that you are the precursor of many that will follow. The 
Church . . . wants [men] . . who will . . visit her members 
scattered among Mahomedans and Pagans ; and who will en- 
deavour to arouse these Christians, that they may become the 
means of diffusing their holy faith among the nations. 

" Rare indeed is it to find a traveller who possesses a Chris- 
tian eye and a Christian heart — who judges by a right standard, 

and is alive to the real interests of men The flag of this 

country is familiar to every eye [in the regions which you are 
sent to explore] — learning and commerce have their represen- 



1815.] 



TO MR. JOWETT. 



177 



tatives — the classic, the painter, the statuary, the antiquarian, 
the naturalist, the merchant, the patriot, the soldier, all have 
their reporters ; but no one details to us the number and the 
characters of Christians : no one names the men who are there, 
perhaps in retirement, sighing over the moral condition of 
their country, and calling, as Europe once did to Asia, Come 
over and help us /" 

His attention is then particularly directed to the 
Roman Church. " Notice her condition," are the 
words of instruction — " any favourable indications — 
the means of communicating to her our privileges." 
He was apprised that he could not act " as a public 
impugner of her errors, nor as a reformer of her prac- 
tice ; " but " he might watch, with a friendly eye, to 
ascertain the best means of restoring her to primitive 
health and vigour." 

The vast possessions of the followers of the False 
Prophet, (( almost begirding this inland ocean," are 
next noticed. "From the Mediterranean . . free 
access" presented itself "to the chief seats of that 
superstition," which was at this time beginning to be 
" shaken to the very centre by enemies nurtured within 
its bosom." 

Then the Greeks are mentioned, under the Patriarch 
of Constantinople ; the Jacobites, under the Patriarch 
of Antioch ; the Copts and Abyssinians, under the 
Patriarch of Alexandria; the Armenians, Nestorians, 
and other classes of Christians. 

"The learned Mosheim," Mr. Pratt proceeds, "will guide 
you to many important topics of inquiry, with respect to the 
external and visible Church in the East ; and the penetrating 

N 



178 



MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. 



[Chap. XI. 



and devout Milner will assist you in searching for her true 
members." 

The Jews, of whom " multitudes are scattered among 
the Mahomedans" "in North Africa, and all round to 
the seat of their ancient glory" were to form a most 
important object of inquiry. 

Of the Heathen also, though not to be found 
in any considerable numbers in contact with the 
shores of the Mediterranean, every inquiry should 
be made. 

To these were added, " the Druses of Mount Leba- 
non, who speak Arabic, but" were " said to be in part 
heathens " : — " the great Hordes, whether Mahomedan 
or heathen, in Syria, Judaea, and Egypt." 

These and other bodies, which it is needless here to 
enumerate, were embraced in Mr. Pratt's comprehen- 
sive survey of the field upon which the Society was 
about to enter ; and it was upon the state of Religion 
and society among these people that Mr. Jowett was 
to make his inquiries, and also to offer suggestions to 
the Society regarding the best methods to be conse- 
quently adopted. 

The means by which he was to prosecute his inqui- 
ries next came under view : these were, Correspon- 
dence, Conference, and Observation. 

After making various important suggestions on 
these points, Mr. Pratt comes to the main object of 
the Mission, which would be promoted in proportion 
as accurate information should be obtained on the 
state of the surrounding countries ; viz. the propaga- 
tion of christian knowledge. This it was proposed 



1815.] 



INSTRUCTIONS TO MR. JOWETT. 



179 



to attempt in three ways : — by the Press, by Journeys, 
and by Education. 

Such is the general outline of these Instructions, 
It is observable that Preaching is not distinctly named 
in this enumeration of duties : not because its im- 
portance was overlooked ; but because the primary 
object of the Society's Representative was Research ; 
in the course of which Mr. Pratt anticipated that 
many suggestions of a practical nature would offer 
themselves. And this, in fact, proved to be the 
case : but in the mean time, the imperfect connection 
between this incipient Mission and the discharge of 
ordinary ministerial engagements, was thus judiciously 
stated : — 

" So far as respects the exercise of your ministry, the cir- 
cumstances of Malta may preclude you, perhaps almost entirely, 
from opportunities. You will, doubtless, feel this to be a call 
for submission to the Divine will : yet we cannot but affec- 
tionately urge you to watch against the deadening influence of 
such a situation ; and to pray that Divine grace may maintain 
in you the spirit of an evangelist, and the desire to do His work, 
and to make full proof of your ministry. 

" But there is scarcely an island or a shore near you on which 
you can set foot, where the message of Divine mercy will not 
be heard by some with attention, if delivered in the spirit and 
language of love. 6 Always a minister ' should be your 
motto ; and while you are discoursing on the ruin and recovery 
of mankind to a knot of villagers, or even to the solitary tra- 
veller, satisfy yourself that the ear of your Heavenly Master 
listens with delight, and His eye is upon you for good, and 
that you are doing a work as acceptable to Him, as if you could 
assemble thousands to hear you with attention." 

N 2 



ISO 



MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. 



[Chap. XI. 



The paternal counsels with which Mr. Pratt closed 
the Committee's Instructions on this occasion must not 
be omitted, — they are worthy the attention of every 
Missionary. 

" We particularly recommend it to you to study the Epistles 
of St. Paul to Timothy and Titus. The whole of the New 
Testament must, indeed, acquire a fresh and lively interest 
from the scenes around you ; and on the history of the Acts 
and the different Epistles, in particular, you will find new light 
thrown: but the instructions of the great Evangelist of the 
Mediterranean to his two young friends, settled on the very 
shores under your eye, will form a code of rules and a body 
of encouragement for you at this day. 

" For the strengthening of your own mind cultivate the friend- 
ship of persons of real piety wherever you find them. * * * * 
The loss of the usual means of grace will be sensibly felt by 
you ; and you will more than ever feel the blessing of f the 
communion of saints,' and of taking sweet counsel together with 
men of like mind." 

Mr. and Mrs. Jowett reached their destination on 
the 1st of November, 1815 ; and he soon commenced 
the work of inquiry. In his first attempt, however, to 
open a correspondence, he met with an affecting dis- 
appointment in the death of the gentleman whom he 
addressed. On this occasion Mr. Pratt writes to him 
as follows : — 

" London, March 16, 1816. 
" Your correspondence seemed to open with promise ; but 
you have soon had to encounter trials in the death of your cor- 
respondent. Be not discouraged. Sit down to your daily work 
in the spirit of a child, and let your eye and your heart be ever 
directed to that Lord whom you serve. You may meet with 
indifference and neglect in some to whom you write ; but others 



1815.] 



MR. JOWETT PROCEEDS TO MALTA. 



181 



you will find out, by determined perseverance, of a different 
mind. The state of Englishmen abroad is often, as you lament, 
disgraceful ; and I sometimes begin to fear that the moral 
degradation produced, or rather drawn out, by East Indian, 
West Indian, and other colonial residence, will draw on our 
country the wrath of heaven : but sure I am that nothing can 
more tend to avert that wrath, and to effect a happy change, 
than the prayers and exertions of our Societies at home, and 
the intercessions, example, and e sighing and crying for all 
these abominations ' of those who are sent forth by us to stem 
the torrent of evil. Send us the fullest accounts that you can 
find time to prepare, of all scenes of the nature hinted at, as 
they pass around you. We shall get better acquainted thereby 
with the actual condition of things." And then, referring to 
intercourse with persons in the superior walks of life, he 
adds — " If you can find some of the Mollia tempora fandi, 
avail yourself of them, but beware of doing it offensively. I 
would be one of the last men on earth to advise you to be 
silent when you ought to speak ; but your situation is very 
peculiar, and you may frustrate or retard the grand end of your 
Mission, by volunteering in that to which you have no proper 
call. I earnestly advise you to much meditation, and retire- 
ment, and prayer. Refresh your mind by the converse and 
advice of such Christian friends as may be near you ; but dwell 
much with the Lord, and let your spirit be refreshed by His 
gracious visitations." 

In 1816 Mr. Jowett visited Corfu, where he spent 
four months, for the purpose of perfecting himself in 
his knowledge of Modern Greek, with the view of 
undertaking, at some future period, if practicable, the 
translation of the Old Testament into that language.* 



* This work has since been performed by Professor Bambas, a native 
distinguished for his learning. The Bible Society, in their last Report 

(1848), 



182 . MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. [Chap. XI. 

In 1818 he went to Smyrna, Haivali, Scio, Athens, 
Hydra, Milo, and Zante, and returned to Malta in 
July, after " a very effective tour." At the commence- 
ment of the same year the Rev. James Connor, M.A., 
of the University of Oxford, was sent as a second Re- 
presentative : he spent part of the two following years 
in visiting Candia, Rhodes, Cyprus, and various parts 
of Syria and Palestine. In 1819 Mr. Jowett made 
an important visit to Egypt, spending some time in 
Alexandria and Cairo, and then proceeding up the 
Nile : a visit which " enlarged (writes Mr. Pratt) the 
sphere of the Society's operations ; and has proved, 
in its results, highly advantageous to the plans in 
progress for preparing the Scriptures for the people 
of Abyssinia." 

He here more especially alludes to the purchase, 
in 1820, of a valuable translation of the Holy Scrip- 
tures in the Amharic, one of the vernacular lan- 
guages of Abyssinia; a dialect which was spoken 
throughout at least half that country, and which had 
obtained the title of the Royal language, from its 
being used at Court. 

To M. Asselin de Cherville, French Consul at Cairo, 
it was owing, under the good providence of God, that 
this work had been prepared for the benefit of the 
Abyssinian nation. And it is not the least interesting 
feature in the history of this affair, that the scholar 



(1848), state that they have had the privilege of distributing 240,000 
copies of the Scriptures, in whole or in parts, for the use of the Greeks. 
This extends over a period of rather more than thirty years. 



1820.] 



THE AMHARIC TRANSLATION. 



183 



whose services he had happily secured for this diffi- 
cult and important work, was a poor old Abyssinian, 
a master of the literature of his country, who had 
traversed the most remote regions of Asia, and had 
formerly been the instructor of Bruce at Gondar, 
and of Sir William Jones in India. 

Both the Church Missionary and Bible Societies 
deemed this manuscript of the highest value for 
their purposes in behalf of Abyssinia. Much deli- 
beration and care were necessary in so important a 
transaction, as the purchase of this unique work. A 
copy of the translation of the Book of Genesis had 
been transmitted to England by M. Asselin, and a 
correspondence opened between the Secretary of the 
Bible Society and Baron de Sacy at Paris, before the 
price w T as finally determined and the agreement con- 
cluded. 

" The Bible Society," writes Mr. Pratt, " will, I have no 
doubt, purchase the work at any reasonable price, when fully 
satisfied of its due execution. In the meanwhile, it might be 
well for you to apprise M. Asselin of the state of things, and 
return him the sincere thanks of the Society for his present, 
and express to him the pleasure with which the Committee 
number him among its correspondents and friends. The Papal 
Orders will not be much of an obstacle, I imagine, provided a 
due price be obtainable :* but Mr. Owen will mention this 
matter to Baron de Sacy. With regard to the actual price to be 
paid, it seems to me to be fair to adjust it by a combined view 



* An order from the Propaganda had been forwarded to M. Asselin, 
laying a restraint upon the work : an order to which that gentleman was 
likely to pay very little attention. 



184 



MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. 



[Chap. XI. 



of the time and labour bestowed on the work, together with the 
value of it as a marketable commodity now that it is executed. 
Had the Society employed M. Asselin and his assistant, all 
their expenses must have been discharged ; but, under present 
circumstances, as it seems to me, the amount of such expenses 
must be modified by the consideration of what can be made of 
the work in any other quarter. The object is, indeed, great ; 
nor should a few hundred pounds be a bar to the purchase of 
such a work, if it be really what it imports to be : nor will such 
a bar to the purchase occur, I am persuaded, provided the case 
be satisfactorily made out." 

The intrinsic value of this treasure may be inferred 
from the large sum which was at length determined 
upon as a fair remuneration for the labour bestowed 
upon its execution, amounting to upwards of one thou- 
sand pounds. 

The failure of Mr. Jowett's health compelled him to 
'return to England at the close of the year 1820. Ex- 
tracts from his journals had been made public from 
time to time ; but during this temporary residence at 
home he compiled and arranged his multifarious ma- 
terials for a volume, which Mr. Pratt edited, under 
the title of " Christian Researches in the Mediterra- 
nean :" it was published early in 1822. In this volume 
an outline is given of the condition of the various 
bodies of men connected with the Mediterranean, 
according to their respective religious professions, as 
Christians, Jews, and Mahomedans ; and measures 
are suggested for the prosecution of the great pur- 
poses of the Society. 

" The result of this visit to the Mediterranean," writes Mr. 
Pratt, " has justified the expectation which the Committee had 



182-2.] 



CHRISTIAN RESEARCHES.' 



183 



formed of its probable utility. Besides many incidental benefits, 
arising from measures taken by Mr. Jowett or other friends 
of the Society, and now in successful progress, the Committee 
are in possession of materials which will enable them with 
greater precision to choose their future path, and by which the 
minds of British Christians may be excited to survey with 
increasing interest the varied tribes and nations connected with 
these internal seas." 

The appearance of this volume, containing the re- 
sults of Mr. Jowett's observations during his journeys, 
and also the journal of Mr. Connor to Syria, may be 
considered as forming an epoch in the history of the 
Mediterranean Mission. It was the first-fruit of their 
labours visible to the public at large ; and its publi- 
cation seemed to arouse the attention of many in 
Europe and in America to scenes long held in almost 
religious reverence, but of the real condition of which 
little had hitherto been known. 

" The notice," writes Mr. Pratt to the author, " taken of 
your i Researches' in some periodical works, and to he taken in 
others, will shew you that the line on which you have entered 
may be pursued to the gratification of the learned and religious 
of our land." — And on another occasion he adds : " A friend 
in America, to whom we sent the ( Researches,' writes — c I re- 
turn my most hearty thanks. No similar work has ever made 
such deep impression on my mind and heart as this: I feel 
my soul expand, and seem to realize the latter-day glory.' So 
go on with courage, as you see that others, far and wide, are 
deriving good from your toil." 

In 1822 Mr. Jowett returned with his family to 
Malta. The five years already spent in the Mediter- 



186 



PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT. 



[CHAr. XI. 



ranean had given him a thorough insight into the 
character of his work. 

" You are now better acquainted than before," writes Mr. Pratt 
to him, " with what will promote our great end. It seems 
to me that your great business will be to gather up facts and 
opinions ; first, by conversation with all who come to Malta, 
and with all whom you can visit all around the Mediterranean ; 
and, secondly, by correspondence, to do the same. 

" A journey of your own through Syria and Palestine, keep- 
ing the Jews in view, would be fruitful of use and interest."* 

Peculiar facilities now presented themselves for 
carrying out the Society's plans for a Printing Esta- 
blishment, which was set up in Malta in 1822. Some 
delay had occurred in commencing this part of the 
Missionary machinery proposed in the original In- 
structions : but the difficulties being overcome, this 
department of labour became, so long as it was de- 
sirable to continue it, an instrument of great utility 
to the Mediterranean Mission.f 

At the time of Mr. Jowett's return, the countries of 
the Mediterranean north-east of Malta were agitated 
by threatening war between the Russians and Turks, 



* This suggestion led subsequently to Mr. Jowett's visiting Jerusalem, 
&c, in 1823, 1824 ;"the results of his tour being given to the public in a 
second volume, intituled " Christian Researches in Syria and the Holy 
Land/' 

t The operations of the Malta Printing-press proved afterwards of very 
great extent, under the superintendence successively of Mr. J owett and 
the Rev. C. F. Schlienz. Religious Tracts and Books were printed and 
largely circulated around the Mediterranean in the Italian, Modern Greek, 
Arabic, Maltese, and Abyssinian languages. Reports of these productions 
may be found in the volumes of the 44 Church Missionary Record." 



1822.] 



THE GREEK WAR. 



187 



while the Greeks, as a nation, were struggling for in- 
dependence. Some parts of those regions which he 
had examined and described in his volume of " Re- 
searches" had experienced an awful change since his 
visit. u At Scio, for example/' writes Mr. Pratt, 
" the fine city which he beheld in 1818 is become a 
heap of ruins ; the learned Professors and Bishop, 
with whom he took instructive counsel, are driven 
into corners ; and the acute and eager students mur- 
dered, or scattered to the winds." 
On the 1st of July, 1822, Mr. Pratt remarks :— 



to the scene of your labours, cannot yet be seen. The visita- 
tion is dreadful for the Greeks ; and is, to all appearance, 
likely to continue so. May they hear the rod, and Him that 
hath appointed it ! 

" In the meantime, the sphere, as a sphere of preparatory 
Christian labour, becomes even more interesting from the un- 
certainty of God's method and time of reviving the Churches, 
coupled with the certainty that He will do it, and that our 
labours to hasten the day will be accepted and blessed by Him. 
May we all have grace to toil, and to wait, and to suffer, if that 
be His will, in this spirit." 

" The Divine visitations," he writes on another occasion, with 
reference to the condition of Turkey and Greece, " are indeed 
signally manifest. The Turkish Empire, the stronghold of the 
Mahomedan antichrist, is shaken to its foundations. The bold 
and persevering resistance of its oppressed subjects, which led 
to the desolation [of Scio], and the fierce conflicts of party and 
faction in the capital, indicate the rapid growth of internal dis- 
organization ; while the successes of its enemies on its eastern 
border, the equivocal allegiance of the Pasha of Egypt, and 
the watchful though smothered indignation of the great powers 



" What will be the course of the Divine Hand 




188 



MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. 



[Chap. XI. 



on its northern and western frontier, are all additional symptoms 
of the approach of that ruin, which has long been preparing for 
this main support of the delusions of the false prophet : delu- 
sions by which the god of this world has, for twelve hundred 
years, blinded the eyes and besotted the hearts of countless 
millions of mankind." 

During his visit in England, Mr. Jowett had car- 
ried through the Press, as a first experiment, a Ver- 
sion of the Gospel of St. John in the Maltese language. 
On his return to Malta, this work was circulated 
among such persons as were willing to accept it. 
Difficulties, however, speedily arose on this occasion ; 
to which he thus adverts in a communication to his 
brother-in-law: — " If I am not much mistaken, there is 
a party at work at Rome, against the good doing in 
Malta." Mr. Pratt immediately replied, " Never mind 
Rome : we will use all prudence, but not be afraid." 

These apprehensions, however, were not without 
foundation ; for a strong remonstrance was soon after 
laid before the British Authorities by the Romish Arch- 
bishop of Malta, protesting against the circulation of 
the Maltese Gospel which Mr. Jowett had translated, 
and also against the efforts which were being made 
for the general circulation of the Scriptures through 
the islands and along the shores of the Mediterranean. 
Much firmness and good judgment were needed at 
this crisis. The following communication will shew 
both the nature of the difficulties then felt, and the 
principles by which the Society was guided. 

The position taken by Mr. Jowett, at the first open- 
ing of the question, will be seen by the following 



1813.] 



ROMISH OPPOSITION. 



189 



extract from his letter to the Chief Secretary to Go- 
vernment in Malta. He wrote from Valetta, April 19, 
1823, as follows 

" That opposition should be manifested to the free circula- 
tion of the Scriptures — an undertaking which has Truth for its 
basis, and the purest Charity for its principle of operation— is 
no new fact. But that such opposition should prefer a claim 
to the sanction of a British Government, is indeed a matter of 
the gravest concern : from which relief is to be found solely 
in the persuasion, that this remarkable step may, under Divine 
Providence, contribute eventually to the recognising of the un- 
restricted use of the Bible, as the unalienable privilege of every 
individual of the human race." 

The question having been referred to the Com- 
mittee at home, the following correspondence took 
place, adjusting the subject for the time being : — 

" Your last letters," writes Mr. Pratt, July 1, 1823, " have ap- 
prised us of what had passed between you and the Government 
of Malta relative to the Maltese Gospels and the Malta Bible 
Society : we were prepared to hear something further on the 
subject from our Government at home. Earl Bathurst having 
accordingly intimated a wish to see me and some of our Vice- 
Presidents, Mr. Wilberforce, Mr. Buxton, and Mr. Evans, 
with myself, formed a deputation for that purpose. His Lord- 
ship stated that he had received communications from Malta on 
which he wished to confer with us, and then read a copy of the 
Archbishop's letter to the Maltese Government, and a copy of 
your letter. He had a copy of the Maltese Gospels before him. 
His Lordship stated that he understood the Schools were going 
on well, and that the Roman Catholics sent their children to them, 
but that they would be likely to withdraw them unless their pre- 
sent dissatisfaction were allayed : that Government was under 



190 



MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. 



[Chap. XL 



some difficulties ; because the Roman Catholics, from witnessing 
the protection and advantages granted to the different Societies, 
entertained the opinion, that, in reality, the acts of these So- 
cieties were the acts of Government. This laid Government un- 
der a difficulty : they were anxious to afford every protection and 
assistance, while they wished to give no just ground of complaint. 
I then entered into a brief statement of the origin of the Malta 
Translation, the means by which it had been begun and was 
now prosecuted, and the probable uses of the Translation with 
reference to North Africa ; and told his Lordship that you had 
not dispersed the copies of St. John's Gospel generally, but 
rather with a view to obtain critical opinions, as you were aware 
that the work was susceptible of improvement, and had recently 
obtained assistance which would enable you to improve it 
greatly : and that therefore, saving the principle of our right, 
under all suitable circumstances, to distribute freely the Word 
of God, there would be no difficulty in the present case in 
meeting his Lordship's wishes. His Lordship said, that he 
had for that very reason sent for us, because he rather wished 
any intimations or regulations on the subject to come from the 
Society, than from the Government. I put the case of Greek 
Christians and members of other Churches, not Roman Catho- 
lic, resident in Malta, and visiting Malta : his Lordship said 
that we had an undoubted right to distribute the Scriptures 
freely to them, without any authority on the part of the Roman 
Catholics to interfere. The other members of the deputation 
asserted the principle of the right of free distribution, unless 
under any local and peculiar restrictions : but the actual amount 
of the restriction that might be claimed by the Roman Catho- 
lics, under the convention by which we hold Malta, was not 
entered into, as it was not intended, in either case, to insist on 
the mere right of the case, but to accommodate the matter, with 
a full reservation, however, of the general principle." 

Two months later he writes again to Mr. Jowett : — 



1823.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



191 



"My last will have anticipated, in a considerable degree, the 
inquiries, in yours of May 21, relative to your course as to the 
Maltese. Go on, perfecting it by every means in your power. 
Be not anxious about the issue : leave that to God. That 
the Maltese will have the Scriptures, there is no doubt: let us 
do what we can to prepare them, that when the free use of 
them is granted — (and granted it will be to every human being) 
— we may not then have to prepare them." * 

One more brief extract shall be added from Mr. 
Pratt' s correspondence relative to the Mediterranean 
Mission. It refers to one of the most active labourers 
of the Society in that field, the late Rev. John Hartley. 
He writes to Mr. Jowett under date of August the 1st, 
1826 :— 

"You will see, by the i Missionary Register' for June and 
July, and particularly the last, that I have endeavoured to 
select the Mediterranean Proceedings in such a manner, as to 
give less of a colouring of controversy to them, than would 
appear from the mass of Mr. Hartley's despatches. I have slid 
in your hints to him sideways. There is much truth in what 
he says, of the necessity of being well furnished on the topics, 
both with knowledge and with suitable books ; but the main 
attack must be on the conscience and the heart : and, as it 
seems to me, the worship of images, the mediation of saints, the 
idolizing of the Virgin, and other grievous errors, should be 
presented to a mind, previously awakened by the Divine bless- 



* It is proper to notice here, that six years after, a better version of the 
Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles in Maltese having been ob- 
tained, they were printed, together with the Latin Vulgate, in parallel 
columns, and taken to Malta by Mr. Jowett on his third return thither, 
in 1829. Subsequently the whole New Testament in Maltese has been 
printed, under the patronage of the Oriental Translation Committee of 
the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. 



192 



MEDITERRANEAN MISSION. [Chap. XI. 



ing on the close pushing home of the Law and the Go spel ; 
and prepared, therefore, to feel the weakness and futility of all 
such resources." 

In the year 1829 Mr. Pratt delivered for a third 
time the Instructions to Mr. Jowett, then proceeding 
alone to Malta. He had some years previously to 
that date, as will presently be seen, relinquished the 
office of Secretary, but as Chairman of the Committee 
of Correspondence, he still took some active part in 
the affairs of the Society. He availed himself of the 
opportunity, to take an exact and comprehensive view 
of the Mediterranean Mission up to that period. 
These Instructions are given at length in the " Mis- 
sionary Register" for September, 1829. 

The proceedings in that sphere of labour, after 
this period, belong rather to the history of the 
Society than to a Memoir of Mr. Pratt. It may be 
not inexpedient, however, to close this Chapter 
with a brief notice of the present posture of that 
Mission. 

The frank reception given to the Bible Society's 
first edition of the Modern Greek Testament by the 
Patriarch of Constantinople in 1814, and other iC signs 
of the times," encouraged the hope that the plenary 
light of the Scriptures, poured in upon the Syrian, 
the Greek, and other Eastern Churches, would tend 
to their purification from error. This anticipation 
will in the event, no doubt, prove true ; in part it 
has been effectuated : and it is remarkable that in 
the prosecution of intercourse with those Churches, 
the translation of the Scriptures into the vernacular 



1830.] 



ITS PECULIAR DIFFICULTIES. 



193 



tongues has constantly been advancing. Difficulties, 
however, of a peculiar kind have been found, on 
investigation, to lie in the way of beneficial intercourse 
with corrupt Churches. These difficulties are thus 
stated by Mr. Jowett as it regards the Mediterranean, 
and his statements are mostly true of another sphere 
which will be noticed in the next Chapter :— 

" The members of the Oriental Churches are, as a mass, 
sunk in deep ignorance. And yet they are self-satisfied. 
They meet a Missionary with these replies — s We have the 
Gospel : we have the Books ; they were written in our country, 
and some of them in our language : we have our Fathers, our 
Councils, our Worship, our primitive Customs : all the grace 
that is implied in the administration of the Sacraments, and 
the succession of the Priesthood, we possess as much as you, 
or probably even more.' In a word, they say, ( We see.' 

"There is, moreover, a deep tinge of Infidelity in the few 
educated persons, and in the many worldly men of enterprise : 
consequently, if they conform to what they deem superstitions, 
there must be in them a corresponding amount of Hypocrisy ; 
or Formalism closely bordering on it. — And hence there is a 
depraving and debasing system of cozenage perpetually going 
on between the Deceiver and the Deceived. 

" The more ignorant and superstitious portion, on the other 
hand, receive our approaches with suspicion; for however 
much they may admire and envy our freedom, they suppose it 
to be necessarily connected with that unbounded licence which 
tends to infidel Free thinking. 

" Further, there is such a grinding system of civil and politi- 
cal tyranny constantly hanging over their heads, that, did they 
even wish to think and act freely, they would not know how." 

In short, the attempt to promote a revival in the 
Oriental Churches, and through them to influence the 

o 



194 



NORTH AFRICA. 



[Chap. XI. 



surrounding regions, has not hitherto succeeded : and 
the Committee of the Church Missionary Society 
entertain grave doubts, whether this attempt to influ- 
ence the Oriental Churches be any longer a work 
within their province. It may probably be prosecuted 
with better effect by our Protestant Episcopacy, which 
has now entered the field. 

Meanwhile a Greek Mission, an Asia-Minor Mission, 
an Egyptian, and another in Eastern Africa, are main- 
tained. The direct appeal to the Mahomedans is 
being prosecuted, while no opportunity is neglected of 
benefitting the members of the Christian Churches. 
A Mission to North Africa was contemplated by Mr. 
Pratt in his Instructions to Mr. Jowett in 1829 : the 
following passage sets the subject in a strong point of 
view :— 

" Of the four great continents of the globe, Africa is the 
lowest in the scale ; and of the four quarters of this Continent, 
the Northern is the lowest in respect of Christian and moral ad- 
vantages. On the Eastern side, through Egypt and Abyssinia, 
somewhat seems likely to be accomplished : on the Western, 
the labours of Christian Missionaries have not been in vain in 
the Lord : on the South, at the Cape, there has long been a 
nucleus of growing civilization and Christianity ; but, on the 
North, there are these ten great evils, all in operation, almost 
without any counteracting influence : Mahomedanism — Pagan- 
ism — Barbarism — Habitual Wars — Slavery — Almost impene- 
trable Deserts — unknown Languages— the want of Ancient and 
Modern History, or accounts of Travellers, to guide our steps 
— dangerous Climates — and, want of a British footing, nay, 
even of a European footing, a single step beyond the regencies 
of Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco. 



1830.] 



NORTH AFRICA. 



195 



" The language of the people [of these regions, Mr. Pratt 
adds] has attracted attention, and progress is making in the 
acquisition of this tongue.* It will, of course, be one of your 
first objects in visiting North Africa, should you have it in your 
power to do so, to acquire the most accurate information on 
this point ; and to make the best provision for furthering a 
plan of this nature, should the Society be hereafter in a condi- 
tion, with respect both to Funds and Labourers, to follow up 
such a plan." 

This, it will be observed, is a description only of 
difficulties. It was arranged at this time that Mr. 
Jowett should visit Algiers, and go on southward to 
Gadarmis : the plan, however, was totally frustrated 
by the occupation of Algiers by the French in 1830 ; 
and at the close of that year he finally quitted the 
Mediterranean, in consequence of the failure of his 
health. 

It remains to be seen, in what way objects so great 
and important will be taken up by the Church Mis- 
sionary Society, or by some other competent body. 
Let the cry of these nations enter into our ears : and 
may the Spirit of God shew to Christians, what is their 
proper course of duty in this matter ; and strengthen 
them to pursue that course ! 



* Reference is here made to a Version of the Four Gospels and the 
Book of Genesis in the Berber Dialect, purchased by the Bible Society 
in 1830. But no learned person has yet been found, competent to render 
the work available. 



o2 



CHAPTER XII. 



1818—1824. 

progress op the west-africa mission dreadful sickness and mor- 
tality among the missionaries — success at length vouchsafed — 
mr. Johnson's labours abundantly blessed — more missionaries 

sent out to india the syrian church missionaries sent with 

a view to its revival — cheering prospects in the south of india 

agra — chunar — benares— burdwan krishnaghur female 

education death of bishop middleton, and appointment of 

bishop heber — difficulties in the new-zealand mission — corre- 
spondence with missionaries — mr. pratt resigns the secretary- 
SHIP. 

During the latter years of Mr. Pratt's connection 
with the Church Missionary Society, he had the 
happiness of seeing some brightening symptoms. 
God was beginning to pour out an abundant bless- 
ing upon the labours of His faithful servants. We 
will now glance at the progress made in each of 
the three chief Missionary fields of the Society's 
operations, from the beginning of the year 1818 to 
the spring of 1824, when he resigned the office of 
Secretary. 

In West Africa death was still, as formerly, making 



1818—1824.] 



WEST-AFRICA MISSION. 



197 



fearful inroads amongst the labourers. During the 
period under notice, sixteen European Missionaries 
and Catechists went out to those unhealthy shores : 
of whom, within that interval, eight fell a sacrifice to 
the climate, besides six of their older companions, 
and several of their wives ; so dreadful was the mor- 
tality ! Up to the spring of 1824, at which time the 
West- Africa Mission had been established twenty years, 
the Society had sent thither thirty-eight European Mis- 
sionaries, Catechists, and Schoolmasters ; of whom, at 
that date, twenty-five were dead, three had retired, 
and ten only, exclusive of the females, were in the 
field. 

This was a sacrifice which did honour to the zeal 
and Christian courage of the devoted men, who 
"hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord 
Jesus." But it was one which occasioned Mr. Pratt 
great disquietude, and weighed with an almost in- 
tolerable load upon his anxious mind. Several times 
was the question discussed, whether it was right to 
continue the Mission under circumstances so perilous. 
Yet as long as men were found willing, with a full 
knowledge of the dangers before them, to adventure 
themselves for the love of Christ and the souls He 
had purchased by His blood, it seemed a duty to main- 
tain their efforts, and to encourage these noble-minded 
servants of the Lord to persevere in their high and 
holy undertaking ; especially as the fields appeared to 
be now more than ever ripe unto the harvest. It is 
worthy of observation, that when success during this 



198 



GREAT MORTALITY. 



[Chap. XII. 



period was the most marked, death raged with its 
greatest fury* 

Within a year and a half after the arrival of Mr. 
Johnson, his church had several times been enlarged, 



03 0> 

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1823. 



1822. 



1821. 



1820. 



1819. 



1818. 



1817. 



1816. 



1815. 



1814. 



1813. 



1812. 



1811. 



1810. 



1809. 



W O O M n 

> P3 3 S 



I O i-i 

I 5? 



1808. 



1807. 



1806. 



t- o 



1805. 



1804. 



1818—1824.] SUCCESS OF MR. JOHNSON. 



199 



that it might accommodate the continually growing 
number of converts. At this time he had as many as 
100 communicants. A year and a half later — in June, 
1819 — he and Mrs. Johnson were compelled to visit 
Europe for a season ; but, " so mightily grew the Word 
of God and prevailed" in this short interval, that before 
leaving Regent's Town he administered the Lord's 
Supper to 253 native converts, nearly all of whom were 
the fruits of his own ministry. The population of 
Regent's Town was at that time about 1550. Some 
remarkable instances of the power of Divine grace 
are given in the " Missionary Register " for 1823, pp. 
307 — 326. But the faithful labourer whose ministry 
was thus blessed, was among those who were cut off 
by death in 1823. The population of his parish then 
amounted to more than 2000 souls ; his scholars — men, 
women, and children — to 1052 ; and his communicants 
to 450. A similar good work was likewise going on 
in other parishes of the colony, though not to the 
same extent. 

It was to Mr. Pratt a welcome reward of his long 
and persevering labours, on the eve of dissolving his 
active connection with the Society, to receive such 
tidings. Long had darkness seemed to brood over 
this unpromising Mission, with scarcely a gleam of 
hope in the horizon. But faith persevered : prayer 
was quickened : patience had its perfect work : and 
God at length caused the day-star to appear. 

In 1824, when he retired, he could report, that 
of the 16,000 Liberated Africans then in the colony, 
the great proportion had renounced their heathen 



200 



INDIA MISSION. 



[Chap. XII. 



superstitions ; that more than one-fifth of them were 
under instruction in schools ; and nearly 700 were 
walking as intelligent and consistent Christians, in full 
communion with the Church of Christ.* 

And he lived long enough to hear — twenty years 
later — of these numbers being vastly multiplied ; and 
to see with his own eyes the first-fruits of a Native 
Christian Ministry, in the person of the Rev. Samuel 
Crowther, one of the Liberated Africans. Mr. Crow- 
ther, after having been first trained in the Mission 
Schools, and then in the Society's Institution at Isling- 
ton, was examined and ordained by the Bishop of 
London, as a Missionary of the Church of England to 
his own benighted countrymen. 

The good work was also beginning to strike its roots 
deeper in India. 

During the period under notice, fifteen additional 
Missionaries were sent to the East, including three 
for Ceylon ; and the chief Missions now in operation, 
with one exception, were then planted. 

An apparently promising field of labour was pre- 
sented about this time in the independent kingdom 
of Travancore, on the western coast of Hindostan. 
Colonel Munro, then British Resident at the native 
Court, first called the attention of the Church Missio- 
nary Society to the importance of attempting to revive 
the ancient branch of the Syrian Church which had 
long been in existence in those parts. Dr. Buchanan 



* At Easter, 1823, the scholars throughout the colony were 3523, and 
the native communicants 680, out of a population of about 16,000. 



1817—1818.] 



THE SYRIAN CHURCH. 



201 



had at an earlier date visited it, and had awakened 
a lively interest in its behalf by the notices of it in his 
" Christian Researches." 

This was another instance in which enlarged hope 
was entertained, of being instrumental in raising the 
tone and zeal of an ancient but decayed Church. 
Still it was the ultimate effect which the revival of 
this Church would probably have upon the heathen 
around, that presented the most powerful motive for 
attempting it. Such was Mr. Pratt's view. In writing 
to a friend upon the subject, he thus expresses him- 
self:— 

fif Strictly speaking, the great and sole object of the So- 
ciety's care is the Heathen World — the communication of 
Christianity to that part of the world which is not Christian. 
Its attempts to revive religion in any of the Ancient Christian 
Churches, are connected with its great object by the pro- 
bable influence of such revivals on the Unchristian world; 
and in this point of view only can it legitimately expend its 
resources on such an object." 

And in writing to the Missionaries who were thus 
engaged, he seems to point to this as the ultimate 
end which they should keep in view :— 

" May God our Saviour bless you every one, and your wives, 
and all the children whom He may give you ; and raise up, 
under your affectionate and patient toil, the Ancient Church of 
the Syrians to be a name and a praise to Him through all the 
region where you dwell !" 

Colonel Munro had represented to the Ranqe (or 
Queen) then ruling in Travancore, that it would be 
greatly for the advantage of her subjects of the Syrian 



202 



THE SYRIAN CHURCH. 



[Chap. XII. 



Church, if she would encourage the erection of a 
College for the education of their catanars (or priests). 
To this benevolent work she gave her willing assent, 
and the building was erected at Cotym (or Cotyam) in 
1817. The Ranee contributed more than 2000/. for the 
endowment of the Institution, besides annexing to it a 
tract of land at least seven miles in circumference. In 
1817 the Rev. Benjamin Bailey, whose arrival in India 
has been already mentioned, proceeded to Cotyam ; 
and was joined in 1818 by the Rev. Joseph Fenn, 
and in 1819 by the Rev. Henry Baker. The Rev. 
Thomas Norton was established at Allepie, on the 
coast. Mr. Dawson was driven home by illness soon 
after his arrival. 

The plan of the Society was, not to attempt to bring 
over the Syrian Christians to the Church of England, 
but to effect a revival of evangelical doctrine and 
Scriptural truth in the Syrian Church itself: — to 
begin with the teachers of the people by instructing 
them in the Syriac language, in which their Liturgy 
was written, and of which they were sadly ignorant ; 
but, above all, by giving them a thorough knowledge 
of the Word of God, and thus endeavouring to infuse 
into their hearts an earnest desire for the revival of 
true religion among their own people. 

These plans were proposed and entered upon with 
the full concurrence and hearty co-operation of the 
Metran who was then at the head of the Malabar 
Church, and also of his two successors, who manifested 
an anxiety for the welfare and improvement of their 
people. They not only hailed the opportunity pre- 



1819.] 



THE SYRIAN CHURCH. 



203 



sented for the education of their ministers in the 
College which the government of the country had 
erected, but they invited the Missionaries to make 
the tour of their Churches, and to awaken both priests 
and people by preaching the Gospel from their 
pulpits. 

The prospect of success was at first very encou- 
raging. Mr. Pratt writes to the Rev. Joseph Fenn, 
May 27, 1819 :— 

" Your report of the state of things at Cotym gave us much 
pleasure. We rejoice much in the influence which Mr. and 
Mrs. Bailey have gained among the Syrians. This affords 
great encouragement to us all. We remember you and your 
fellow-labourers much in prayer. May our Heavenly Master 
keep you all in union, humility, and patient diligence. You 
have to deal with adult children, and your work will be toilsome 
and your success slow ; but go on, dear brother, in ' the work 
of faith, the patience of hope, and the labour of love.' You 
shall meet, if you faint not, with multitudes in heaven, who 
directly or remotely will, under God, owe their eternity of 
happiness to your labours and those of your associates and 
friends. 

" We have had a visit from the Syrian Archbishop of Jeru- 
salem. You will find some account of it, and the object of his 
journey, in the ' Missionary Register.' We had much conver- 
sation with him ; and though, as a Society, we could not pro- 
perly grant him what he wanted (the means of forming a print- 
ing establishment at his residence on Mount Lebanon), yet we 
put forth a separate subscription for the purpose, and the end 
has been accomplished ; and an intercourse has been opened 
with Syria, which, we trust, will be blessed to its ultimate 
enlightening. The Archbishop is, I conceive, at the head of a 
Romish schism from the Jacobites. He knew the history of 



204 



ENCOURAGING PROSPECTS. [Chap. XII. 



your Syrians as far down as Mar Joseph, but nothing of Phi- 
loxenus or George." * . . . . 

At the same time he writes to Mr. Bailey, forward- 
ing him some periodicals : — 

" By these publications you will see that it pleases God still 
to prosper us, and to extend His gracious kingdom among men. 
May this minister comfort and strength to your hearts in all 
your own labours ! It rejoices us much to learn of your suc- 
cess in translations. Your account of the Malabar worship 
gave us great pleasure. May you be rendered the honoured 
instrument of infusing light and life into the fallen Churches 
of Travancore ! We pray often and earnestly for you all. 
f Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord ! ' May great grace 
be upon you, and upon Mrs. Bailey, and your child. 

" I am grieved to inform you that Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have 
passed the winter in Devonshire, with little benefit. They are 
now on their way into Yorkshire for the summer. Unless some 
great change takes place, I fear for them both ; but most for 
your sister, who is very consumptive. But they are in the 
hands of a merciful Father." 

The commencement and early progress of this work 
thus seemed to promise permanent success in the great 
undertaking which the Society had in view, — to send 
forth the Gospel from this Church as a bright centre 
among the millions of heathen covering the vast con- 
tinent to the eastward. 

But these early hopes and prospects, as has been 
already intimated in the last Chapter, were not 



* Mar Joseph the predecessor, aud Mar George the successor of Mar 
Philoxenus. They both assumed the name of Dionysius on their conse- 
cration, and were the first and second of those mentioned in the note 
following this. 



1813—1824.] 



DISAPPOINTMENT. 



205 



realised — partly, from the very corrupt and fallen 
state into which it was found, upon closer investiga- 
tion, the Churches were sunk ; but, in this instance, 
more immediately in consequence of the death of the 
Metrans who were friendly to the plans of the Society, 
and the succession to that office of one who became and 
continues to be hostile to any change or improvement.* 
The Society having been invited to the country both by 
the Government and the Church, and having been long 
engaged in the work which they had undertaken, have 
not felt it their duty to retire, now that an unfriendly 
eye has been directed against them from those whom 
they desired to benefit. They continue at their post, 
with the full permission of the Government. The 
character of their Mission is, however, altered ; as they 
are now a Mission of the Church Missionary Society 
for making converts from the multitudes of heathen 
within the kingdom of Travancore, and for receiving 
and instructing any inquirers from the corrupt Church 

* As confusion sometimes arises in the names of the Metrans, from 
their practice, on consecration, of assuming the title of one of their prede- 
cessors (it is said, of the twelve first Patriarchs of Antioch), it will be well 
to mention here that the Metran who presided when the Society entered 
upon its operations was Dionysius. He died in Nov. 1810, and was suc- 
ceeded by Philoxenus, who from age and debility retired, and was 
succeeded by another Dionysius in Oct. 1817. This excellent man died of 
cholera May 16, 1825, when the old Metran Philoxenus resumed his 
duties, but was assisted by a coadjutor, a third Dionysius, who became 
the head of the Church Feb. 6, 1830, by the death of the venerable Phi- 
loxenus. The first two of the name of Dionysius, and also Philoxenus, 
were eminently friendly to the Church Missionary Society's designs. 
The third Dionysius, now living, is not. In 1825 Mar Athanasius came 
from Antioch, and attempted to assume the authority, but was obliged to 
leave the country after five months. 



206 



SOUTH-INDIA MISSION. 



[Chap. XII. 



of Syria. This change of plan has met the full ap- 
proval both of the Bishop of Madras, who is the Dio- 
cesan of the Missionaries labouring in Travancore, 
and also of the Metropolitan of India. But these re- 
marks belong rather to the subsequent history of this 
Mission : it may, however, be observed, that although 
the original object of benefiting the Syrian Church 
has hitherto failed, considerable success has been 
vouchsafed to the labours of the Missionaries among 
the heathen. 

In the South of India, during the period we are 
reviewing, the work effectually took root, and early 
gave promise of the abundant harvest which has since 
been reaped, and which is so plentiful that the in- 
gathering still continues. 

In 1820 the Rev. Messrs. Rhenius and Bernhard 
Schmid removed from Madras to Tinnevelly. They 
were the first Missionaries of any Society who took up 
their residence in those parts.* In 1823 their labours 
began to make a considerable impression upon the 
natives ; and the work rapidly spread to some of the 
distant parts of the District. 



* Although as far back as the close of the last century, we read of the 
native Catechists and Ministers under Schwartz, visiting parts of this dis- 
trict in their Missionary tours, there was no resident Missionary before 
Rhenius and Schmid : and, indeed, soon after the death of Schwartz, in 
1798, the partial work which his associates had effected almost entirely 
died away. It continued in this depressed state till somewhat revived by 
the Missionaries of the Society for Propagating the Gospel residing at 
Tanjore. But it was not till Bishop Wilson's visitation to the south of 
India, in 1835, that arrangements were made, by placing Missionaries at 
Nazareth and Moodeloor, in the district of Tinnevelly, for the permanent 
revival of the work in connection with that Society. 



1818—1824.] 



TINNEVELLY. 



207 



And here we cannot but call attention to the espe- 
cial manner, in which the zeal and abundant prayers 
of the friends of the Society in behalf of India, during 
the stirring period of 1812-13, were ultimately re- 
warded in the success of one of the first labourers 
they sent forth to the East, after India was thus thrown 
open to the Gospel. This Mission had to pass through 
the same phases of difficulty, which had tried the faith 
both of labourers and friends to the cause in all their 
undertakings. Yet it is interesting to observe, that it 
was the indefatigable zeal of Mr. Rhenius, in parti- 
cular, which gave the first great impulse to any wide- 
spread movement among the heathen. And it was 
owing to the blessing of God, on the fostering care of 
those who entered into his labours, that the many 
thousands were brought into the fold who now con- 
stitute the Society's charge in that District. Accord- 
ing to a return made about nine months after Mr. 
Pratt's decease, the number under Christian instruc- 
tion were more than 25,000, of whom nearly 10,000 
were already baptized. The Society for Propagating 
the Gospel has met with similar success : their num- 
bers were nearly 14,000 under instruction, of whom 
nearly 6000 were baptized.* 



* See a Table appended to a "Journal of a Visitation Tour," by the 
Bishop of Madras, in 1845. The returns are made up to June SO, 1845, 
and the exact numbers stand as follows : — 







No. Baptized. 


No. Unbaptized 
under Instruction. 


Total. 


TlNNEVELLY. 


c C. M.S. Congregations 
t S. P. G. ditto 


9479 
5799 


15790 
7907 


25,269 
13,706 



208 



NORTH-INDIA MISSION. 



[Chap. XII. 



In North India, the foundations of the present Mis- 
sions were laid about the same time. 

At Agra, Abdool Messeeh was continuing his faith- 
ful ministry, though under much discouragement from 
the general indifference and even bitter opposition of 
his countrymen. At Chunar, in the neighbourhood of 
Benares, the city of temples and citadel of idolatry, 
Mr. William Bowley, the Society's Reader and Cate- 
chist, laboured with unwearied diligence and perse- 
verance, and with the blessing of God upon him. He 
was joined in 181 9 by the Rev. William Greenwood, 
from Calcutta. 

In June, 1820, Mr. Pratt writes to Mr. Bowley 
thus : — 

"The impressions made on the minds of natives by the 
exertions which have been already made in the education of 
youth and the preaching of the Gospel, supply likewise a 
strong stimulus to further exertions. 

" It is no small point gained, that conviction has been car- 
ried into the minds of natives, that their own system is a false 
one : and it affords us encouragement to believe that the time 
is approaching when, through the outpouring of the Holy 
Spirit, they will be convinced of the truth of Christianity, and 
receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to 
save their souls." 

An opening was beginning to appear in the far- 
famed city of Benares itself, for the entrance of the 
light of truth. A wealthy native established a Free 
School and endowed it, transferring the Institution to 
the Church Missionary Society, that they might use it 
for their own purposes. Not long after, the generous 



1818—1824.] 



BENAKES— BURDWAN. 



209 



founder died ; but without himself manifesting any 
symptoms that his heart was influenced by the truth, 
although diligently taught him by the exemplary and 
beloved Corrie. To this friend Mr. Pratt writes, Feb. 
19, 1819, on hearing of his death : — 

" Jay Narain seems to be one of the instruments whom God, 
in His infinite wisdom, appears to use for the accomplishment 
of His purposes of mercy, while the poor man himself may 
perhaps have no participation in that good which he may be 
the means of conveying to others." 

This Institution has been eminently serviceable ; 
and, in combination with the constant preaching of 
the indefatigable Missionaries in the bazaars, has 
brought about a very considerable change of opinion 
concerning the Gospel, among the Brahmins and 
Pundits who throng the so-called holy city. The 
city seems to be ripe for a display of God's mercy : 
thousands are convinced in their understandings, but 
the grace of God has yet to be given to convert their 
hearts. Any day the outburst may take place, and 
the truth have free course and be glorified. 

In 1819, the beginning which had been made at 
Burdwan, by the establishment of schools four years 
previously, was followed up, and the Mission fairly 
established, by the arrival of the Rev. Messrs. Jetter 
and Deerr. The history of this Mission likewise 
affords an instructive example of the manner, in which 
it sometimes pleases God to carry on His work. 
Nearly twenty years did Mr. Deerr labour in the Mis- 
sionary district of Burdwan, and latterly at Krishna- 
ghur itself, before he witnessed any visible fruit of his 

p 



210 



KRISHNAGHUR. 



[Chap. XII. 



labours, or of those of his companions. Although 
from time to time he had some evidences that the 
Lord was not withholding His blessing, it was not till 
the termination of that long interval, that he was re- 
warded by the remarkable outburst of inquiry which 
has but recently taken place, when 3000 and more 
renounced their idols and their false teachers, and 
embraced the Gospel. And it cannot be doubted 
that the seed, which the Missionaries have now been so 
long sowing in faith and patience throughout the dis- 
trict of Burdwan, will shortly germinate and spring 
up in other places, as it has already done so happily 
in this, which was for a long period but one among 
the several secondary Out-stations of the original 
Mission. 

It was a matter of heartfelt joy to Mr. Pratt, to see 
these promising commencements in so many parts of 
the vast country, which had been till recently closely 
shut against the Gospel. Among the fifteen Missiona- 
ries who were sent out to India and Ceylon during this 
period, in addition to fifteen who went out during the 
four preceding years, were some very able as well as 
devoted men, and he looked with great hope for the 
fruit of their labours. Of one of them in particular, 
the Rev. F. C. G. Schroeter, he entertained great ex- 
pectations, as designed for extensive usefulness. He 
had been labouring on the borders of Nepaul, north 
of Calcutta ; and had specially devoted himself to the 
translation of the Scriptures into the language of the 
immense region of Thibet, which seemed to form a 
link between Hindostan and China. He was pecu- 



1818—24.] 



MR SCHROETER. 



211 



liarly fitted for this task by his natural gifts, and had 
the advantage of acting under the constant and zealous 
support of Major Latter, Agent to the Governor- 
General in those parts. 

Although engaged in so important a work, he ap- 
pears to have thirsted for opportunities of preaching 
to the natives ; but circumstances made it impracti- 
cable ; and Mr. Pratt wrote as follows to encourage 
him in the pursuits in which he was engaged : — 

" It seems that Major Latter thought it not expedient for you 
to preach to the Nepaulese. Now we should not consent to a 
Missionary making this sacrifice [of remaining where he cannot 
preach] unless it were for a time, and to answer important ends. 
At all events, be where he will, he should be always an Evan- 
gelist ; he should seize every opportunity of conversing on the 
great things of Christ's salvation with the individuals or groups 
he may meet with. Mr. Jowett and Mr. Connor in the Medi- 
terranean Mission are thus circumstanced : they have no op- 
portunity of public preaching, nor are very likely to have any ; 
but they are engaged in most important work, and labour con- 
tinually, we trust, i to make manifest the savour of the know- 
ledge of Christ in every place.' We should think you and any 
other Missionaries well employed for a few years, if you could 
translate the Scriptures into the Thibet tongue, even though 
you were debarred public preaching. I write this only to 
satisfy your mind if you should be called to such a situation." 

But death put a stop to his valuable labours ; and 
his intelligent patron soon followed him. The T bri- 
be ti an and English Dictionary which this Missionary 
compiled, passed into the hands of Dr. Carey of 
Serampore ; and the expensive collection of books 
bearing upon Thibet was deposited, after Major 

p2 



212 



FEMALE EDUCATION. 



[Chap. XII. 



Latter s death, in the Library of Bishop's College, 
Calcutta. 

The loss of this valuable Missionary was deeply 
felt. Mr. Pratt writes to Mr. Corrie, Jan. 15, 1821 : — 

" The death of Mr. Schroeter is one of those dispensations 
which leave us no resource for relief to our minds, but in that 
devout submission taught us by our Saviour — 'Even so, Father, 
for so it seemed good in Thy sight.' He was a truly faithful 
and valuable Missionary, and was engaged in a peculiarly im- 
portant and interesting work : we cannot part with such a man 
without pain and heartfelt regret." 

Among the many impediments to the spread of the 
Gospel in India, none has been more serious than the 
deplorable state of ignorance and moral slavery in 
which the females are held. The vast importance of 
attempting the removal of this evil by education, was 
brought very forcibly to the notice of the public by 
the Rev. Mr. Ward of Serampore, near Calcutta, 
during a visit to England, in 1819-20. The result of 
this was, the self-dedication to this new and untried 
work of one, to whose zeal and perseverance, for nearly 
twenty years, the present prosperous state of the fe- 
male schools in our various India Missions is, under 
God, mainly owing. She left England in 1821, in 
connection with the British and Foreign School 
Society ; but shortly after her arrival she joined 
the Church Missionary Society. Previous to her 
departure, Mr. Pratt interested himself much in the 
object on which she was about to embark. Her design 
was to commence with Day-schools, for any of the 
poorer children whom she might be able to collect 



1823.] 



MISS COOKE. 



213 



together ; and afterwards to attempt to gain admission 
into the families of the higher classes of natives, and 
endeavour to engage their co-operation in promoting 
her benevolent object. Soon after she had fairly en- 
tered on her work, she prevailed on her sister to devote 
herself to the same interesting and arduous under- 
taking. But shortly before the time arrived for her 
sister's embarkation, it became Mr. Pratt's painful 
task to communicate to her the melancholy tidings, 
that she was deprived of the help and solace of one, 
who would have heartily and affectionately co-operated 
with her in all her plans : — 

To Miss Cooke. 

" Church Missionary House, London, April 25, 1823. 
" MY DEAR MISS COOKE — 

" Your letter of November last safely reached us by Mr. 
Sherer, and has afforded much satisfaction to the Committee. 

" It is very painful to me, in opening a correspondence with 
you, to have to communicate tidings of a severely distressing 
nature ; but I trust that our gracious God has taught you to 
turn to Him for strength and consolation in every time of need ; 
and by Him I doubt not that you will be effectually supported 
and comforted, though nature must deeply feel the stroke which 
His fatherly hand inflicts. 

" Our communications to Mr. Corrie will have led you to ex- 
pect your sister Jane, with Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson. Her pas- 
sage was taken in the ' Palmyra,' and we were expecting her 
arrival in town to prepare for the voyage, when a letter arrived 
from Mr. J. A. Cooke to say that she was dangerously ill. In 
the course of a few days, another letter arrived to say that she 
was no more. 

" I enclose a letter from your brother, which, I presume, 
conveys to you all the particulars of this melancholy event. 



214 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XII. 



" Painful as this dispensation is, it will afford a real solace to 
your mind to learn, that there is every reason to hope that at this 
crisis the power of Divine Grace has been displayed, and that 
your sister has departed in 'a sure and certain hope' of a 
resurrection tojeternal life, through faith in the merits of a 
crucified Saviour. 

" The pressure of engagements at this season will preclude 
me from saying much on your Missionary proceedings. We 
' thank God' for the success which, through His blessing, has 
so signally crowned your labours hitherto, and feel every en- 
couragement to 'take courage' in looking forward to the future. 

" The object to which you have devoted yourself excites a 
deep interest in the minds of our friends throughout the coun- 
try, which will be much cherished by the representations which 
you have now made to us. 

" The opening which presents itself, of entering on the edu- 
cation of the female children of the higher class, is peculiarly 
encouraging ; and we hail it as an indication, that prejudice 
and caste are silently yielding to the means which are employed 
for the amelioration of the condition of the Natives of India. 
We trust that these things may be regarded as signs that that 
period is hastening on, when 'the true light' shall shine into 
their hearts, ' to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of 
God in the face of Jesus Christ.' 

" Let us hear from you frequently and fully. You can 
scarcely calculate, how much your object will be promoted by 
such communications. They keep alive a strong interest in 
your proceedings, and quicken many to prayer." 

But Mr. Pratt had the gratification, before he re- 
signed the Secretaryship, of seeing not only an exten- 
sive platform laid for Missionary exertion in India, 
but also a relaxation of the restrictions by which it 
was somewhat hampered on the first erection of the 
See of Calcutta. 



1822.] 



DEATH OF BISHOP MIDDLETON. 



215 



Mention has been made in a former Chapter, of the 
difficulty which Bishop Middleton felt, in publicly 
recognizing by his licence the Missionaries of the 
Church of England who were sent out to India. But 
Mr. Pratt and his friends had the satisfaction of per- 
ceiving that — convinced of the excellent character of 
the men sent out, and of the importance of the work 
to which they had devoted themselves — he began, after 
a few years' residence in the country, to manifest a 
willingness, and indeed desire, to make some arrange- 
ment which should enable him publicly to recognize 
the labours of men, for whom he entertained a high 
regard. 

On this subject Mr. Pratt writes to Mr. Thomason : — 

" You will be pleased to hear that the prospect of a connec- 
tion between our Missionaries and the Bishop, as their Dio- 
cesan, is brightening. All the particulars are communicated 
to Mr. Corrie. Should the Bishop receive the propositions of 
your Committee, as we are encouraged to hope he will, the 
arrangement will be settled on the most satisfactory terms, and 
with the prospect of the most beneficial result." 

But death put a stop to these important negotia- 
tions. On the 8th of July, 1822, Bishop Middleton 
fell a sacrifice to a severe Bengal fever, to the grief of 
all who were acquainted with his important plans and 
labours for the extension of Christianity in India. 

Much anxiety was very naturally felt as to the ap- 
pointment of a successor. It need hardly be stated, 
that the choice fell upon the Rev. Reginald Heber, who 
did not shrink from the arduous post. How much 
this appointment fell in with the wishes of Mr. Pratt 



216 



APPOINTMENT OF BISHOP HEBER. [Chap. XII. 



and his friends, may be gathered from his letters to 
India at this time. He had intimated to Mr. Corrie, 
that this selection would most probably be made ; and 
at a subsequent date writes again as follows : — 

" London, Jan. 23, 1823. 

" MY DEAR BROTHER — 

"We can now congratulate you without reserve on this 
subject. Many and earnest prayers have been put up on this 
occasion, that it would please God to guide and overrule the 
appointment in such a way as might best promote His glory. 
We acknowledge in this appointment the goodness of God. 
Mr. Heber is a member of our Society, and a Vice-President 
of the Shropshire Association. He is also a member of the 
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, though not one of 
its incorporated members : but he is a consistent and sincere 
Churchman, while he will doubtless act on large and just 
views. In genius, learning, family, and personal character, he 
is worthy to be Bishop of Calcutta ; while his clear and sound 
views of religion will lead him to diffuse right principles through- 
out his diocese. Let us now pray that the abundant influences 
of the Holy Spirit may abide upon him, and that the gracious 
Providence of God may secure his health and lengthen his 
days. 

" We shall have the best opportunity of coming to a full 
understanding with your future Bishop, and we earnestly pray 
that God may be pleased to unite you all in one harmonious 
band of devout and successful servants of His will. 

<£ I considered that you would all hail this information with 
thankfulness, and therefore hasten to communicate it." 

He writes again : — 

" June 14, 1823. 

" MY DEAR BE,OTHER — ■ 

" * * * We have had further opportunities of conversing 
with the Bishop of Calcutta, and have uniformly found him 



1323.] 



BISHOP HEBER. 



217 



disposed to confer with us on the Society's proceedings in the 
most unreserved manner, and to enter most cordially into its 
objects and interests. 

" * * * At our last Meeting [of the Committee], on the 
9th inst., Dr. Heber attended, unsolicited, and renewed the 
expression of his attachment to the principles of the Society, 
and the declaration of his disposition to give its proceedings in 
India his cordial support. 

" In a conversation with the Bishop, he stated that he was 
willing to stand in India in any relation to the Society, which 
might be thought most advisable. * * * 

" Civilians having been referred to, at the instance of the 
Bishop, I believe, to ascertain whether the present Letters 
Patent give him unrestricted power of Ordination, on which 
point Bishop Middleton drew from them a conclusion in the 
negative, they have delivered their opinion in the affirmative. 
It has not, therefore, been deemed necessary to ask for any en- 
largement of them." 

This favourable change regarding ordination, was 
hailed by the Church Missionary Society with high 
satisfaction, and with fervent gratitude to Him who 
overrules all to His own glory and the extension of 
His kingdom. 

Bishop Heber reached Calcutta in October, 1823; 
and about two years afterwards an opportunity pre- 
sented itself for the ordination of Abdool Messeeh and 
Mr. Bowley, as has been already mentioned, according 
to the discipline of the Church of England. 

The Bishop, before leaving home, obtained the 
opinion of the King's Advocate, that all Ministers of 
the Church of England within his diocese were within 
his jurisdiction, as much as the Chaplains. It was upon 



21S 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XII. 



the ground of this opinion that he determined to grant 
licences to the Church Missionaries ; and he over- 
ruled the difficulty hitherto presented by the Canons, 
by altering the terms of the licence in the case of 
the Missionaries, as indeed he was obliged to do in 
that of some of the Chaplains, by adding " district" 
to that of " station/' as being of a less restrictive 
character. 

The New-Zealand Mission had not at this time 
made any great progress, although sixteen years had 
passed in anxious inquiry and persevering endeavours 
to establish a footing in the Northern Island. The first 
five years were spent, as we have seen, in watching 
for an opportunity of entering the country ; and the 
remaining eleven were occupied in overcoming the 
prejudices and superstitions of the noble race of 
savages by whom it was peopled. It is not to be 
wondered at, that difficulties of a peculiar character 
should beset a work so new. Ten Europeans, with 
their wives, had entered upon it by the beginning of 
the year 1821 ; two of them ordained, and the remain- 
der of them engaged as schoolmasters, or artificers, 
or agriculturists. It will not surprise such as are 
well acquainted with the corruption of the human 
heart, and the imperfections, mistakes, and infirmities 
of the best intentioned, that some of the early difficul- 
ties in this case also arose from disagreements among 
the labourers themselves ; in consequence of which 
several abandoned the work. The following admirable 
letter was written by Mr. Pratt, on tidings of these 
sad events reaching home : — 



1821.] 



NEW-ZEALAND MISSION. 



219 



To the Missionaries and Settlers, New Zealand. 

" London, Aug. 22, 1821. 

6< We desire gratefully to acknowledge the gracious protec- 
tion afforded to you by our Heavenly Father in the midst of 
perils and under many trials. Such an interposition of Divine 
Providence, under your circumstances, strengthens the obliga- 
tion by which you are bound to devote yourselves faithfully 
and zealously to His glory, in communicating to the New 
Zealanders the Gospel of His grace. 

" To make known to these benighted heathen the way of 
salvation, through faith in the merits of a crucified Saviour, is 
your first duty ; and in all your intercourse with them, oppor- 
tunities for doing so ought to be vigorously sought and 
promptly improved. If your own hearts are in a truly Missio- 
nary temper, occasions and means of doing this will never be 
wanting. While the natives are working with you, or sitting 
in your houses, or in any other seasons of occasional or stated 
intercourse, the vigorous Missionary, full of faith, and whose 
heart is burning with vehement love to souls, and melting with 
compassion at the ignorance, wickedness, and misery of the 
heathen among whom he dwells, will never be at a loss for 
topics, and arguments, and motives, in order to convey to them 
the knowledge of the fulness of that grace and love towards 
sinners which is in Christ Jesus. The Committee are most 
solicitous to press it on the hearts and consciences of you all, 
to be thus ' instant in season and out of season ' in discharging 
your peculiar duties as Missionaries. If you are brought, 
through the grace of the Holy Spirit, habitually to act thus in 
your intercourse with the natives, following your endeavours 
with fervent prayers in secret and unitedly, and waiting in faith 
for the fulfilment of the Divine promises, most assuredly ' your 
labour will not be in vain in the Lord.' The blessing will not 
be withheld : ' in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not.' 
f He cannot deny Himself.' 

" But, dear friends, this heavenly-mindedness, this devoted- 



220 



NEW-ZEALAND MISSION. 



[Chap. XII. 



ness to the glory of God, this love to souls, cannot exist nor be 
maintained among you, unless ye 1 have fervent charity among 
yourselves :' for c where envying and strife is, there is confusion 
and every evil work.' Watch and pray, then, continually 
against this dividing spirit, so injurious to yourselves, so de- 
structive of your usefulness. Remember that the Psalmist 
emphatically marks it, as a 'good' no less than a ' pleasant' 
thing, for 'brethren to dwell together in unity, 1 Ps. cxxxiii. 1. 
Mark well, likewise, the petitions offered up by Christ in 
behalf of His people, ' That they all may be one, as Thou, 
Father, art in me, and I in Thee ; that they also may be one in 
us, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.' Dili- 
gently study this prayer, and endeavour thoroughly to drink 
into its spirit, and ye shall be blessed in your deed and helpers 
of each other's joy. * * * * 

" Subordination among yourselves is so essential to your 
own comfort, as well as to the success of your labours, that I 
cannot conclude without adverting to it, though it has been so 
continually and so strictly insisted on by the Committee here- 
tofore. Again would we say, i Look not every man on his own 
things ; but every man also on the things of others,' Phil. ii. 
S — 5. ( Yea, all of you be subject one to another,' 1 Pet. v. 5. 
What, dear friends, is requisite in order to keep these precepts 
of our Heavenly Master, but that we should deny and mortify 
the pride and selfishness of our corrupt hearts ? And surely if we 
do not desire, and endeavour, and pray to do this, we are not only 
unfit for Missionaries, but unworthy of the name of Christians. 
' If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His.' 

" And now, dear brethren, we ' commend you to God and to 
the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to 
give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.' 
6 Be perfect, be of good courage, be of one mind, live in peace, 
and the God of love and peace shall be with you.' 

" I remain, truly and affectionately yours, 

"Josiah Pratt." 



1824.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



221 



Towards the close of 1822, a third ordained Missio- 
nary embarked for New Zealand, with two more lay- 
men, one a carpenter, the other a farmer. By the 
time he entered upon his work, the other two Clergy- 
men had left the Mission. The following is an ex- 
tract from a letter which Mr. Pratt wrote to him — the 
last of his letters to New Zealand : — 

To the Rev. Henry Williams. 

" London, March 29, 1824. 

" DEAR BROTHER — 

" * * * We were glad to learn, that at the date of your last 
letter you were on the point of embarking for New Zealand. 
We are now waiting with solicitude for information of your pro- 
ceedings on your arrival. The duties before you are arduous 
and painful ; but the grace of Christ, His wisdom, and His 
strength are your resource, and adequately provide for the sup- 
ply of ' all your need.' Be much, dear brother, in communion 
with Him ; preserve a single eye to the glory of God in the 
great work before you ; and cultivate a spirit of humility, for- 
bearance, and kindness, in all your intercourse with your 
brethren," 

About three years after the Rev. Henry Williams left 
England, he was followed by his brother, the Rev, Wil- 
liam Williams. It was not till the years 1831-2, that 
the Gospel began to take effectual root among the New 
Zealanders ; but from that date it has spread with 
wonderful success. These two Missionaries are still 
at their post in New Zealand, and were both raised 
to the honourable office of Archdeacon on the arrival 
of the Bishop in 1842. 

Into this successful position was the Society brought 



222 



MR. PRATT RESIGNS 



[Chap. XII. 



at the time that Mr. Pratt found it necessary, from the 
multiplication of its business and the urgency of other 
engagements, to resign the Secretaryship which he 
had so long held. 

The following letter, conveying his resignation, will 
shew the feeling with which he took this important 
step : — - 

To the Committee of the Church Missionary Society. 
" Gentlemen — 

" The Report of the Committee of Correspondence, which 
will be laid before you at the present Meeting, will inform you, 
that in the new arrangements which are required in the Secre- 
tary's department by its great increase of business, it is neces- 
sary to make provision not only for additional assistance in the 
discharge of its duties, but also to supply my place in that 
department. The grounds on which my retiring is become 
necessary will be stated to you in the said Report : but I 
cannot withdraw from the relation in which I have so long 
stood to the Society, without expressing my sincere regret, 
that this step is become unavoidable from the increase of other 
duties. 

" The great cause, indeed, in which we have been so long 
engaged, has so interwoven itself with my habits, and is, I 
trust, so deeply seated in my heart, that it will, I hope, con- 
tinue to occupy, while life and reason shall remain, the chief of 
my thoughts and the best of my time. In any way, and to any 
extent, which may be practicable and expedient, the Committee 
may always command my services in that best of causes in 
which Christians can be engaged. 

" That cause, indeed, requires the hearty co-operation of all 
the faithful servants of Christ — in counsel, in liberality, in 
labour, and in prayer. That it is making rapid progress, we 
have abundant evidence ; but that its difficulties also multiply 
in some proportion to that progress, we are compelled painfully 



1824.] 



THE SECRETARYSHIP. 



223 



to feel. The instruments to be employed being men of like 
passions with ourselves, who have to direct them in their 
labours, the increase of such instruments for the accomplish- 
ment of the work which is so fast augmenting, unavoidably 
multiplies the cares of those who have the responsibility of 
governing this grand and comprehensive machine : while these 
cares are not a little increased by the great activity of that 
malignant influence which everywhere displays itself, by acting 
on the weakness of good men and the wickedness of the evil, 
against the establishment of the kingdom of God. 

" The obligation under which this state of things lays the 
servants of Christ, of increasing simplicity of purpose in all 
their labours, and increasing humility of dependence therein on 
the guidance and blessing of the Holy Spirit, is felt, I am per- 
suaded, by us all. Maintaining and cherishing, through Divine 
grace, this temper of mind in all our plans and exertions, 
we may fearlessly proceed. By our services, and those of 
our predecessors, fellow-labourers, and successors, God will 
magnify His own great name, in the fulfilment of His pro- 
mises, until the earth shall be covered with the knowledge of 
the Lord. 

" T cannot conclude without the expression of my sincere 
thanks for the kindness, which, in the exercise of my office, I 
have uniformly received, for so long a course of years, at the 
hands of the Committee, and shall ever remain, 
" Gentlemen, 

" Your affectionate friend and servant, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

" Church Missionary House, April 23, 1824. 

The following notice was taken of his retirement 
in the Twenty-fourth Annual Report of the Society : — 

" Your Committee received with real concern Mr. Pratt's re- 
signation of the office of Secretary of the Society, which he had 
held for a period of one-and-twenty years, with the highest 
advantage to the Society. 



224 



RESIGNATION OF THE SECRETARYSHIP. [Chap. XII. 



" The Committee attest, with grateful satisfaction, the dis- 
tinguished share which, under God, the zealous, judicious, and 
unwearied labours of your late Secretary have had, in drawing 
forth the large resources now enjoyed by the Society, and in 
gradually enlarging its operations to their present wide extent. 
While they express the strong sense which they entertain of 
Mr. Pratt's long and able services in the Society, the Com- 
mittee cannot refrain from recording, also, the lively feelings of 
personal esteem and respect, which have grown up and been 
matured during their long official intercourse with him. In 
taking a reluctant leave of him in the capacity of Secretary of 
the Society, the Committee have requested that he will allow 
them to retain his name in connection with their transactions, 
under the designation of ' Chairman of the Committee of Cor- 
respondence.' By this arrangement, the Committee will con- 
tinue to avail themselves of Mr. Pratt's counsel and co-operation, 
in the prosecution of their labours ; and their future proceedings 
will participate in the advantages to be derived, as well from 
his intimate acquaintance with the Society's concerns, as from 
his extensive information on all topics connected with the un- 
dertakings and operations of Missionary Institutions.'" 

For several years he continued to occupy the post 
of Chairman of the Committee of Correspondence, the 
chief working Committee of the Society. 

" And it was only when the Lord raised up other labourers, 
in whose qualifications he cordially rejoiced, that he allowed 
himself to yield to that measured retirement, which his natural 
character, his growing years, and his increasing bodily infir- 
mities demanded. And still as Chamber Counsel of the 
Church, he was ready to the last to aid with his advice all who 
consulted him." * 



* Mr. Bickersteth's Funeral Sermon. 



1802— 1S24.] 



MR. PRATT'S LABOURS. 



225 



We know not how better to conclude the preceding 
outline of Mr. Pratt's labours as Secretary of the 
Church Missionary Society, than by adding the testi- 
mony of two highly-valued friends to their extent, and 
the manner in which they were executed ; — the one for 
many years his valued coadjutor and an eye-witness 
of his indefatigable zeal ; both of them successors to 
his office : — 

" For twenty-two years* (says Mr. Bickerstethf) Mr. Pratt 
devoted almost the entire energies of his commanding under- 
standing, his great experience, and his sound judgment, to this 
Society; and gradually laid those deep and broad founda- 
tions, on which the Society has been raised to its present 
blessedness. He formed the chief rules by which it is now 
conducted ; he planned the f Missionary Register/ by which 
the spirit of Missions has been so largely diffused. More 
than twenty volumes, edited by him from the year 1813, 
shew the wisdom, the love, the judgment, the indefatigable 
toil, and the enlarged mind, of their able editor from year 
to year. It is a full treasury, that will be invaluable to the 
future historian of the Church of Christ. The Annual Reports 
of the Church Missionary Society, prepared by him for a 
quarter of a century, mark the same diligent, judicious, com- 
prehensive, and loving spirit. 

" He originated the system of Associations through the 
country ; in connection with him the Missionary Institution at 
Islington was formed. The chief Missions have been esta- 
blished while he was Secretary. It will never be fully known 
till the day of Christ, through how many conflicts and trials 
and labours the Missionary principle was maintained, diffused, 



* Mr. Pratt was chosen Secretary Dec. 1802, and resigned April 23, 1 824. 
t Funeral Sermon, pp. 26, 27. 

Q 



226 



EXTENT AND CHARACTER OF 



[Chap. XII. 



and established in our country by his stedfastness and exertions, 
and through how many sorrows and sufferings, from the many 
deaths of Missionaries in Africa, and, in some cases, from their 
inconsistency, and the falls of some, the Churches of Christ 
were at length permanently formed among the heathen under 
his scriptural direction and unshaken perseverance. He exa- 
mined all the Missionary Candidates. When I thought of 
devoting myself to the Ministry I opened my heart to him, and 
he at once invited me to share his labours both in the Ministry 
and in the Church Missionary Society. It was my privilege 
to be his fellow-labourer from 1815 till he resigned the Secre- 
taryship in 1824, and for the next six years to enter into his 
labours. But I rejoice to testify, that God especially honoured 
our departed friend as a chief Father of this Society, and the 
originator of its most important plans and proceedings." 

Mr. Venn expresses himself as follows : — 

The unweariedness of his labours was truly extraordinary, 
Few men are capable of such continuous exertion as he endured ; 
and still fewer would give themselves up to toil herein, not for 
a temporal reward, but to send a blessing to distant lands. 

" He possessed, moreover, a peculiar qualification for his 
work, in that largeness of heart, which could embrace the 
necessities of all his fellow-creatures, and earnestly seek the ex- 
tension of Christ's Kingdom throughout the world. 

" I have heard from the lips of many a Missionary affect- 
ing testimonies to his tender sympathy and paternal regard 
toward them from the first hour that they devoted them- 
selves to the work of the Society. He bore them continually 
upon his heart; though absent from them in the body, still 
present with them in spirit, joying and beholding their suc- 
cess and prosperity. This largeness of heart was not the 
fruit of his connection with the Church Missionary Society : 
rather, the establishment and extension of that Society was 
the result of this noble quality of his mind. Nor was it 



1S02— 1824.] 



MR. PRATT'S LABOURS. 



227 



restricted in its exercise to the operations of this one Society : 
for being animated and regulated by the principle laid down in 
the text [1 Pet. iv. 10, 11], it manifested itself in a genuine 
catholicity of spirit. He heartily rejoiced in the success of all 
who were labouring in the cause of Christ, and willingly co- 
operated with them as far as he had opportunity. Though his 
whole soul seemed devoted to the interests of one great Society, 
yet he was far above all petty jealousy or party spirit in respect 
of other kindred Institutions. 

" Mr. Pratt seems to have discerned most accurately that pre- 
cise line of labour, which constituted the ability which God had 
given to him ; and convinced that herein he was following the 
call of God, he pursued it with constancy and perseverance, 
and never deviated from it to grasp any other distinction. 
That precise line was, to take a practical view of all questions 
connected with the Evangelization of the World. It was his 
part to mature measures, devised by himself or others, for the 
accomplishment of this end ; to carry them out in detail ; to 
combine the varied efforts of zealous friends at home ; and to 
preserve a consistency in all the operations of the Society 
abroad. For this work a man was needed possessing a mind 
comprehensive in its views, sound in its judgment, candid 
towards objectors, practical in its character, prompt and patient 
in execution. Such was Josiah Pratt. He had the rare fa- 
culty of taking a wide and comprehensive, but at the same time 
a thoroughly practical view of questions. There was nothing 
minute about the character of his mind; yet it was most 
admirable in following out his plans in detail. 

" The vast extent to which the operations of the Missionary 
Society were, under his direction, extended, yet with sound 
practical wisdom in all its departments, affords a standing proof 
of this statement." * 



* Sermon on the death of Mr. Pratt, by the Rev. H. Venn, Honorary 
Secretary of the Church Missionary Society, pp. 12 — 14. 

Q 2 



CHAPTER XIII. 



1814—1824. 

MR. PRATT'S MINISTRY DURING THIS PERIOD WITHDRAWS FROM THE 

ECLECTIC SOCIETY ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN AGED MEMBER OF HIS 

CONGREGATIONS THE HONEST WATERMAN VISIT OF BISHOP CHASE TO 

ENGLAND ASSISTANCE AFFORDED TO HIM BY MR. PRATT IN HIS AP- 
PEAL TO THE BRITISH PUBLIC. 

In tracing the progress of Mr. Pratt's exertions in 
behalf of the Society in which he devoted the vigour 
of his days, it has been thought best not to break 
the thread of the narrative for the last twelve years, 
by the introduction of other topics. But through- 
out this busy period of his life he continued to 
preach three times a-week, viz. at Wheler Chapel, 
at St. Mary Woolnoth's, and at St. Lawrence's. 
Every other stated engagement he felt compelled 
to relinquish, as will appear from the following 
letter addressed to the members of the Eclectic 
Society : — 

" Church Missionary House, Jan. 2, 1815. 

" MY DEAR FRIENDS — 

" I have long struggled with myself before I could bring 
my mind to request that you would permit me to pass off^ for 
the present at least, as a miles emeritus. But when I look at 
the book, and find that I was present but twice last year, and 
see no immediate prospect of being able to resume that seat 
which I have reason to thank God from my heart that I ever 



1814—1824.] 



PULPIT MINISTRATIONS. 



229 



held, I cannot continue to occupy a post, the duties of which 
I am disqualified from discharging. 

"Many of you know well that my occupation at this House 
is so incessant, that I have neither time nor spirits for any 
thing beyond its walls, except what is of necessity laid upon 
me. An average engagement for the last two years perhaps, 
in the Society's concerns, of from eight to twelve hours a-day, 
beside frequent journeyings, have made me almost a perfect 
stranger to my own study ; and have obliged me to look for, 
what I gratefully acknowledge I have found, the special sup- 
port and blessing of God. But I assure you, my dear friends, 
I need, and shall need, this support ; for my spirits and health 
sometimes give symptoms of failing. But I am persuaded you 
remember your brethren before that throne round which we 
shall all, I trust, meet, when prayer shall have yielded to eter- 
nal praise. 

" I remain, in the best of all bonds, 

" Your ever affectionate brother and friend, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

His pulpit ministrations were more especially 
valued, as already stated, for their deeply experi- 
mental character, and their richness in scriptural 
truth. Salvation by grace, through faith, was his 
great topic ; but in its personal application he un- 
folded the secret workings of the heart, laid bare its 
deceitfulness, and the danger of having a form of god- 
liness without its power. He always, however, entered 
largely into the practical details of the Christian life. 
He was in the habit of preaching a course of sermons 
at the beginning of the year, specially on domestic 
and relative duties. To humble the sinner, to detect 
and convince the self-deceiver, and to comfort and 



230 



AFFECTING EVENT. 



[Chap. XIII. 



edify the children of God, were his leading aims. 
Many, we doubt not, will be able to testify in the day 
of Christ, of the saving grace and power which accom- 
panied his ministry. 

During the period that he held the Lectureships at 
St. Lawrence's and St. Mary Woolnoth's, two affecting 
events occurred in the death of two aged men among 
the humbler class of his hearers. The one was taken 
away by a sudden accident. Mr. Pratt had been 
preaching on Wednesday evening at St. Lawrence's, 
upon the text, " My times are in thy hand" when the 
individual alluded to was present, — drinking in the 
refreshing truths which flowed from the preachers 
lips, and feeling doubtless the rich consolation which 
the believer enjoys in trusting himself for life or for 
death in the hands of his covenanted God. In less 
than half an hour after the service was over, this aged 
pilgrim was brought back a corpse to the very church, 
where he had been but just before a happy and devout 
worshipper. With his well-read Bible under his arm, 
he was directing his steps toward a part of the town, 
where he was in the habit of teaching in an evening 
adult school. He had to pass through Lad Lane, at 
a corner of which, just as he was turning it and 
crossing over, the leaders of a mail coach suddenly 
came upon him, and before he could save himself 
he was thrown down, and killed on the spot. 

The other individual was the remarkable old Chris- 
tian, whose history has since been recorded in a well- 
known tract, entitled the " Honest Waterman." He 
appears to have been a hearer of the Rev. William Ro- 



1814—1824,] 



THE HONEST WATERMAN. 



231 



maine and the Rev. John Newton, till the death of those 
venerable ministers ; and afterwards of Mr. Pratt and 
the Rev. Henry G. Watkins. From the extreme diffi- 
dence of his character, and his love of concealment, he 
rather shunned than sought opportunities of making 
the acquaintance of the ministers whose churches he 
attended : and not residing in the parishes within 
which the churches were situated, he remained per- 
sonally unknown to them, although, from his regu- 
larity of attendance and his devout deportment, he 
could not but be a marked character. It was ascer- 
tained, after his death, that he had long been well 
known on the river among his fellow-watermen for 
his strict honesty and his regular and diligent habits : 
so remarkable were these, that although his daily 
receipts were rarely above five shillings, he left 
by will 100?. stock of Three-per-Cent. Annuities 
to each of nine Religious or Benevolent Societies, 
and half that sum to each of five other similar Insti- 
tutions. 

It was the circumstance of the old man's nephew 
calling on the treasurer of one of these Societies to 
pay the legacy, which led to the discovery of the cha- 
racter and history of this exemplary Christian. His 
nephew furnished materials for the above-mentioned 
Tract ; and a gentleman to whom he was well known 
by sight, as a constant attendant at St. Mary Wool- 
noth's, supplied some of his recollections. 

After speaking of his great devoutness during the 
service, and his " calm seriousness and fixed attention " 
during the Sermon, " I cannot but think," adds his 



232 



THE HONEST WATERMAN. 



[Chap. XIII. 



biographer, " that the discourses he heard at St. Mary 
Woolnoth contributed to confirm and extend that 
genuine Christian liberality, both of mind and heart, 
of which his life and death have afforded proofs so 
striking and exemplary." He lived to the age of 75 ; 
and in death, as in life, he bore an eminent testimony 
to the power and truth of the gospel of Christ. It 
was a subject of great regret to the ministers whom 
he had been in the habit of hearing, that neither of 
them was called in to enjoy the privilege of attending 
the dying saint in his last hours. On his nephew 
proposing to send for Mr. Pratt or Mr. Watkins, he 
declined the offer, urging as his reason, that their 
time was already fully engrossed in more pressing 
duties. Some of his last words were these ; and are 
sufficient to shew how prepared he was for his great 
change : — " My confidence is in Christ ; He is all my 
salvation : I have no hope from any other source : 
I trust that Jesus Christ has bled and died for me." — 
" God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of 
Jesus Christ ! " — " The love of God is shed abroad 
in my heart." To which he added, "My strength 
is perfect weakness. Finish the work, Lord, and let 
me join the heavenly host, to sing Thy praises for 
ever and ever." 

Statedly occupied as Mr. Pratt was with the over- 
whelming calls of his Ministry and the Society, yet 
his active mind would not suffer him to neglect occa- 
sional opportunities of usefulness which seemed to be 
providentially thrown in his way. An instance of this 
kind was presented towards the close of 1823, by the 



1823.] 



DIOCESE OF OHIO. 



233 



arrival in England of Dr. Chase, Bishop of Ohio, 
United States. 

The state of spiritual destitution of the public means 
of grace which prevailed in two of the nine dioceses 
of the United States, bordering on the Atlantic, will 
have been already in some degree learnt from some 
details in a former Chapter. But sad as this state 
was, it was flourishing compared with the forlorn con- 
dition of the newly-formed diocese of Ohio, lying 
beyond the Alleghany Mountains, in the western ter- 
ritory of the States, and stretching over a surface of 
30,000 square miles of newly settled or still unsettled 
country. Through this vast extent of territory, the 
parishes and places for holding Divine Service were 
scattered at distances varying from fifteen to sixty 
miles, with only five clergymen to minister to their 
spiritual wants. 

The Rev. Philander Chase, D.D. was consecrated 
first Bishop of this peculiarly arduous charge in Feb. 
1819; and soon after commenced a visitation through- 
out the length and breadth of his diocese, — travelling 
on horseback a distance of more than 1200 miles in the 
course of the year, and on his journey seeking out and 
finding, not only the scattered flocks, but many in the 
woods not yet attached to any congregation, although 
desirous of joining themselves to the body of the faith- 
ful. This visitation laid open to the Bishop's mind a 
grievous picture of the moral wilderness committed to 
his care by the Great Shepherd, and awakened in his 
breast corresponding emotions and anxious desires to 
remedy the evil. There were not wanting young 



234 



BISHOP CHASE VISITS ENGLAND. 



[Chap. XIII. 



men willing to offer themselves for the ministry ; but 
poverty, the want of convenient accommodations and 
of libraries, and their own incessant parochial and 
Missionary duties, rendered it quite beyond the power 
of the Clergy to undertake their education. A General 
Theological Seminary had recently been established 
at New York ; but the great distance of this institu- 
tion, and the unavoidable expense of sending students 
to it from the far west across the Alleghanies, made it 
hopeless to look for help in that direction. It was 
natural, moreover, that the urgent calls, nearer home, 
of the destitute dioceses washed by the Atlantic, would 
be first in some measure attended to, before the for- 
lorn condition of the unknown wilds of Ohio would 
meet with any more satisfactory a response than 
mere expressions of sympathy. And besides this, 
the peculiar nature of the work in this new field 
of labour required men brought up on the soil ; 
capable of readily assimilating themselves to the cha- 
racter of the inhabitants, and of enduring the expo- 
sure and fatigue of travelling through their woods 
and hills. 

In this emergency, the zealous and primitive Bishop 
proposed the establishment of a Seminary specially 
adapted to the wants of his own Diocese : and after 
unavailing efforts to raise sufficient funds for this pur- 
pose in his own land, he resolved to make an appeal 
in person to England — the land of his forefathers. He 
has himself recently written a full narrative of the cir- 
cumstances which led to this decision, and of the 
wonderful manner in which God brought him through 



1823.] 



REACHES LONDON. 



235 



a multitude of difficulties in the persevering prosecu- 
tion of his great object. 

He left his diocese with the prayers of his Clergy, 
and with their concurrence in his plans ; and being 
commended by them to the grace of God, set out on 
his long and anxious journey. But as he approached 
New York, the opposition to his scheme thickened 
around him, on the ground that his projected Semi- 
nary was likely to stand in the way of the success of 
the General Theological Seminary lately instituted in 
that city, and designed for all the Dioceses of the 
United States. As he knew, however, that this oppo- 
sition proceeded from men who had not seen, nor 
felt, nor suffered as he had himself, in witnessing the 
grievous destitution of his own peculiar charge, he 
persevered in his own course in simple reliance on 
Him who had hitherto been his guide. 

In November, 1823, the Bishop reached London — 
"a world within itself" — he writes — " and not a soul 
within its vast bosom with whom he had the least 
acquaintance ; and, what was more, none had ever 
heard of him but through a hostile medium." He 
found that the opposition which he had encountered at 
New York had already found its way to this centre of 
influence, had poisoned the minds of all who had 
heard of his intended visit, and prejudiced them against 
him. His claims, however, upon Christian sympathy, 
and the justice of his cause, were readily acknowledged 
when the state of the case was understood ; and with 
a very few exceptions, if any, prejudice gave way to 
zealous co-operation in his behalf. This was the case 



236 



INTERVIEW WITH MR. PRATT. 



[Chap. XIII. 



with Lord Gambier, to whom the Bishop brought 
letters of introduction from a friend of his Lordship's 
in America ; and no less so with Mr. Pratt, to w 7 hose 
notice Lord Gambier commended the Bishop and his 
plans. His first interview with Mr. Pratt was at his 
residence in Doughty Street on the 9th of Dec, and is 
thus graphically described by the Bishop in his 
recently published " Reminiscences " : — 

" With what anxious steps he was the bearer of Lord 
Gambler's letter to this good man, needs not be told. Giving 
in his name, he was shewn directly to the study of the Secre- 
tary of the Church Missionary Society. With books and 
papers all around a well-lighted room, warmed by a cheerful 
fire, and furnished with a good-sized table, having a well- 
brushed cloth, occupied by some maps, a recent number of the 
[Missionary] Register, and some manuscript papers, in 8vo 
form, all neatly written on one side of it for the press, the 
whole piled away in two or three parcels, and all the extra 
waste papers torn to small pieces and thrown down on the 
floor — there he was, as the writer suddenly, perhaps unex- 
pectedly, entered the room. Turning round and facing the 
door, he saw a man approach of no ordinary size, and evidently 
no inhabitant of London, and against whom, as he has since 
remarked, he was very much prejudiced. A civil bow was 
interchanged, and the letter from Lord Gambier presented. 
The very sight of a good man's writing will light up a smile in 
the face of a congenial spirit." 

Mr. Pratt examined the papers which the Bishop 
laid before him, entered at large into conversation 
upon the topics connected with his object, and was so 
fully convinced of the excellence of his cause, that he 
did not hesitate, even at the first interview, to assure 



1823.] 



MR. PRATT'S ZEALOUS SUPPORT. 



237 



the Bishop that he had his best wishes, and should 
have his best endeavours to aid him in his great 
design. This promise was speedily fulfilled, and the 
Bishop, in grateful recollection of the assistance he 
derived from this source, enters his record in the fol- 
lowing marked language : — " The exact day and 
hour of the writer's introduction to the Rev. Josiah 
Pratt, of London, are recorded both on paper and 
in the memory. That record ought to be per- 
manent, for the event is among the most important 
of his whole life, as the sequel of this Memoir will 
shew." 

Bishop Chase continued in town a month after his 
introduction to Mr. Pratt, during which time they had 
repeated interviews for maturing the Bishop's plans, 
and taking measures to lay them before the public in 
the way best calculated to ensure success. Mr. Pratt, 
as well as the Bishop himself, was strongly averse from 
doing any thing that might provoke an open contro- 
versy with his opponents. It was, however, as diffi- 
cult as it was desirable to make such a full and fair 
representation of the circumstances and necessities of 
the diocese of Ohio as would meet objections, and also 
call forth the sympathy and aid which were sought for, 
without in some way reflecting upon the conduct of 
those who had already gained the ear of the public in 
opposition to the Bishop's scheme. To effect this 
object was the task to which Mr. Pratt addressed him- 
self. He wrote to the leader of the opposition, inform- 
ing him of the change which a full view of the subject 
had produced in his own mind ; and at the same time 



238 



BISHOP CHASE ACCOMPLISHES 



[Chap. XIII. 



acquainting him with Bishop Chase's determination 
to maintain peace under all circumstances. In the 
mean time he was occupying all the intervals he 
could snatch from his pressing engagements, to draw 
up an Appeal, for extensive circulation, to bring the 
pressing wants of Ohio fully and prominently before 
the public. On the last day of the year he invited a 
select party of clerical and lay friends to meet the 
Bishop at his house. "His design was explained," 
writes one who was present,* " and more than 
approved ; it was hailed with hope and delight ; 
a beginning was made, and chiefly under Mr. 
Pratt's arrangements, though, as usual, he allowed 
other names to occupy the prominent places of 
honour." 

The Appeal, together with the Resolutions drawn 
up at this Meeting, was speedily printed and exten- 
sively circulated through the country ; and on the 
8th of January, the Bishop left London, on an exten- 
sive tour to plead his cause in person. About a month 
after this, all opposition to his plans was withdrawn 
upon certain terms of accommodation being proposed 
by the opposing party, and agreed upon by the Bishop, 
through the intervention of Mr. Pratt. 

Every difficulty was thus at length surmounted ; 
six thousand pounds were raised ; and the excellent 
Bishop, after making many friends in England, to 
whom he had greatly endeared himself by his apo- 
stolical spirit, re-embarked for his own country, having 



* " Christian Observer" for 1844, p. 090. 



1824.] 



THE PURPOSE OF HIS VISIT. 



239 



realized the fullest expectations of his visit. The fol- 
lowing was Mr. Pratt's farewell letter to him : — 

"London, Doughty Street, July 12, 1824. 
" RIGHT REV. AND VERY DEAR SIR — 

"I am now addressing you, probably, for the last time 
during your stay in our country ; and I cannot on this occa- 
sion but recall to mind the circumstances under which I had 
the honour and happiness first to meet you, and those which 
have since occurred. That Divine Master, whose hand directs 
our steps, has graciously guided you, in a way which we could 
not have anticipated, to a happy issue of your difficult under- 
taking. In its progress it has been the occasion of calling 
forth much evil and much good. May the evil, whether felt 
in ourselve's, or seen in others, make us humble before Him, 
and candid in judging of other men ! And may the glory of 
all that is good be ascribed to Him to whom alone it is due ! 

"My wife and all my children beg to unite with me in 
respectful and affectionate wishes for your comfort and hap- 
piness for many years. We trust and pray that God may be 
pleased to bless you abundantly in all your labours to pro- 
mote the salvation of men, and that we may all meet in that 
heavenly world where it will be a great portion of our joy to 
have been honoured by the Divine mercy and goodness in 
promoting on earth the cause of our God and Saviour. 
" I am ever, Right Rev. and Dear Sir, 

" Your affectionate, humble servant, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

In November of the same year the Bishop laid 
before the convention of his Church, a report of the 
proceedings and success of his long journey ; and 
measures were speedily taken for the erection of 
Kenyon College, Ohio, which is become an Institution 



240 



PHILANDER CHASE. 



[Chap. XIII. 



of incalculable importance in its beneficial influence 
upon the Diocese to which it belongs. 

Mr. Pratt's interest in the Bishop's proceedings con- 
tinued unabated after his return to Ohio ; and with a 
view of still further promoting the cause, he prepared 
a short Memoir of the life and character of the Bishop's 
son, the Rev. Philander Chase, who died during his 
father's visit to England. Another occasion will 
occur for mentioning this truly apostolic man, when 
he re-visited this country as Bishop of Illinois, and Mr. 
Pratt a second time espoused his interests. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

1802—1823. 

MR. PRATT IN HIS DOMESTIC RELATIONSHIPS, AND HIS PRIVATE AND 
SOCIAL HABITS. 

Little reference has yet been made to Mr. Pratt's 
domestic and social relationships ; and yet it is here 
that we must look for the most undisguised develope- 
ment of a man's genuine qualities. This will be a 
suitable place to pause in our narrative, and shew 
that while Mr. Pratt was so much an object of public 
observation and esteem, he practised what he preached ; 
and that in his private no less than in his public walk, 
he is deserving of affectionate and respectful re- 
membrance. 

The praise of the Father of the Faithful eminently 
belonged to him, of having " commanded his children 
and his household after him, that they should keep 
the way of the Lord." He felt that an authority was 
committed to him as the head of a household, which 
he was bound to exercise for the glory of God and the 
present and eternal welfare of every inmate of his 
dwelling ; and that authority he did exercise : he 
tolerated no evil thing, and expected all to conform 
cheerfully to those family arrangements which he 
deemed expedient. Yet authority was, in him, happily 
tempered with unvarying kindness and tender consi- 
deration. Though naturally of a sanguine tempera- 
ment, which occasionally shewed itself in warmth 

R 



242 



MR. PRATT IN HIS FAMILY. 



[Chap. XIV. 



of manner and expression ; yet there was much less of 
this, than we commonly find associated with great force 
of character and incessant toil ; and his transparent 
integrity of purpose and hearty good-will prevented 
any unpleasant impression being harboured. 

He himself set the example of what he expected 
from others : " not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, 
serving the Lord ;" " an example to all in word, in 
conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity/' 
He rose punctually at six, summer and winter ; and 
soon after roused the rest of the family : he was the 
first down stairs, when he repaired to his study : at 
eight he assembled the family for worship, which lasted 
about twenty minutes : at half-past eight in the evening 
he shut his door about him, and at nine assembled the 
family. He deemed it of the utmost importance to 
secure time for reading the Scriptures and devotion, 
before the senses were overpowered with fatigue and 
drowsiness. In later life, he retired a short time at noon. 

He admired and defended Mr. Cecil's views of 
domestic life, though he admitted that they had been 
distorted and abused by persons of a severe and un- 
amiable disposition. But never was man more affec- 
tionate than he, as a husband and a father. Memory 
can still recall the scene, w T hen, in fear of losing the 
beloved partner of his counsels, cares, and joys, he 
gathered his children together, and with abundant 
tears committed our common affliction to the Lord. 
Memory also can recall minute instances of parental 
affection, in his doles of money and other presents to 
his children, in his walks with them before breakfast, 



1802—1823.] 



MR. PRATT IN HIS FAMILY. 



243 



in lively anecdotes told and re-told with a peculiar 
buoyancy of countenance and manner. Notwithstand- 
ing the full occupation of his time and thoughts, he 
was most faithful for years in bringing his children 
Scotch-cake whenever he passed a certain shop ; and 
though he were in conversation at the time with a 
friend, he would break off, saying, " I must not forget 
my children." His tenderness on one occasion is still 
fresh in the recollection. One of his children was 
repeating a lesson to him, which was very ill learnt. 
Finding that the child was suffering under a degree of 
bodily languor, though without real illness, he first 
took her on his knee to repeat the lesson ; and finally, 
when patience failed to produce the desired result, he 
gave up the attempt, and taking the child into the 
next room, he placed her in his own bed, to recover 
the spirits which had been overtaxed. He would 
sometimes, at their earnest entreaties, sit down to the 
piano, and play " God save the King " in a spirited 
manner, and his " one March " ; which was the extent 
of his performance in the musical line, though he had 
an excellent ear for music, and a very good bass and 
tenor voice. 

As his children grew up, consisting of two sons and 
four daughters, he manifested a most anxious regard 
to their spiritual welfare. Though he repudiated the 
notion, that spiritual regeneration always and neces- 
sarily accompanies the outward and visible sign, as 
having no foundation in Scripture or in the language 
of the Church when rightly understood ; yet he felt 
great confidence, that a believing and persevering use 

r2 



244 



MR. PRATT IN HIS FAMILY. 



[Chap. XIV. 



of all the appointed means of grace, coupled with a 
wise and consistent example in the parents, would 
generally result in the child's becoming a true 
Christian. His own example was certainly well cal- 
culated to impress his children with the supreme 
importance of religion. And there was a strict and 
steady propriety in all the parts of his conduct towards 
them, which few, perhaps, have been so well able to 
maintain as he did, without varying to the extremes 
of severity or indulgence. He was not to be trifled 
with ; and yet he admitted them to a great degree of 
confidence. The important objects which engrossed 
his own attention, and even many of the anxious ques- 
tions which at times weighed upon his mind, were 
known and talked of in his family, and made the 
topics of combined supplication and thanksgiving at 
the throne of grace. He encouraged a spontaneous 
confession of their faults by the assurance, that he 
should always be much less displeased if they were 
truthful and ingenuous, than if they tried to conceal 
or palliate their faults. Sometimes he would make 
direct appeals to their consciences : for example, to 
one of his children he made the following remarks : — 

st I observed," he said, " you and talking together when 

I came into the Missionary Meeting last night. This is a bad 
preparation for entering upon so solemn a duty, as it regards 
your own mind : it should be with much prayer : we do not come 
together for momentary excitement ; but to increase the spirit 
of prayer. But the effect also on the person who officiates is 
very great. You can have no idea, how much he who prays 
depends on the spirit and temper of those around him. Sup- 
pose he has a dozen friends with him, whom he knows to be 



1S02 — 1823 ] 



MR. PRATT IN HIS FAMILY. 



245 



of humble, praying, fervent minds — who accompany him, 
and, as it were, anticipate him in every petition ; how much 
more freedom does he enjoy, than when he feels himself among 
careless, irreverent people : he then has to pray up-hill. And 
even if he is not acquainted with the temper of those about 
him, his mind is influenced : for the Spirit of God is present 
according as His assistance and holy influences are sought for ; 
so that if the people come together in an unthinking, unpraying 
state, the minister experiences comparatively little or no assis- 
tance. He finds it difficult to pray : he feels a weight, but he 
does not know why." 

The reproof was deeply felt, and was immediately 
afterwards noted down, so that its accuracy can be 
depended on. 

He accustomed his children to commit large por- 
tions of Scripture to memory for pecuniary rewards. 
He was led to this practice by having been himself, 
when a boy, similarly induced by his own father to 
learn the Epistle to the Hebrews, with singular benefit 
to himself in after life. He took advantage of their 
occasional absence from home to write letters to them. 
The following specimens shall close this brief view of 
his domestic character : although simply addressed to 
his own children, and designed for their individual 
and personal benefit, they contain so much calculated 
to profit the general reader, that no apology need be 
made for their introduction in this place. 

To his Eldest Daughter. 

" London, May 29, 1817. 

"MY DEAREST CAROLINE — 

" I have often thought of you since you have been away 
from us : indeed there is scarcely a day when I do not think of 



246 



CORRESPONDENCE 



[Chap. XIV. 



you several times ; though, as you know, I am so busy, that I 
have few minutes at my command. But it is my comfort to 
know, that you have a Father in heaven who never has you out 
of His eye ; and I pray to Him very frequently for you, and 
mention your name before Him, and tell my Heavenly Father, 
and that dear Saviour who shed His precious blood for us, how 
anxious I am that you may be led, by the grace of the Holy 
Spirit, to see your sinfulness, and your need of Christ ; and 
that you may be brought more and more to love prayer, and 
the Bible, and the ways and people of God, and may follow all 
your dear and honoured relatives to heaven, and may meet us 
there. And your Mamma and I pray together often for you, 
that God would give you and Josiah and your sisters and John 
these blessings. So that you must not think that I ever forget 
you, though I have not written to you before. * * * 

" It will please God, I hope, to make your visit useful to 
you, both in body and soul ; so that you may return home with 
good spirits and health, and with a mind full of love to that 
Saviour, whom Dr. Fearon, as you hear in his sermons, holds 
forth, as I do, as the only refuge for sinners. Indeed, I cannot 
wish you, my dear child, any happiness so great as that of 
knowing and loving Christ, as your Saviour and your way to 
the Father. Never let a morning or an evening pass without 
earnest prayer : and when any thing troubles you, or when you 
can get an opportunity in the course of the day, bend your 
knees, and, in the words which your heart will suggest, under 
the gracious guidance of that good Spirit who ' helpeth our 
infirmities,' tell your loving Saviour what you need. And on a 
Sunday afternoon your Mamma and I particularly wish you, 
and J osiah also, and each of the others, as they grow older, to 
retire to your rooms, and to examine your own hearts, and read 
the Scriptures, and pray. You are getting now very near the 
age when it will be proper for you to be confirmed, and so take 
on yourself, by Divine strength, the solemn vows of your bap- 
tism. But we shall speak to you of this when the time comes. 



1818.] 



WITH HIS CHILDREN. 



247 



" May our God ever bless you, and keep you, and at last 
bring you, of His infinite grace and goodness, to heaven !" 

To the same. 

" London, July 16, 1818. 
" I cannot refuse your request that I would write to you, 
though I scarcely know how to get a few minutes from my pre- 
sent incessant labour. But it is labour that is its own reward, 
because it is in the service of the most gracious Master, and tends 
to promote His glory in the salvation of perishing sinners : and 
I desire ever to account it the highest honour which can be be- 
stowed upon me, to be made, in any measure, an instrument of 
making known His blessed name. Yet a burden is laid upon 
me, as you know, which sometimes presses me hard, though I 
have comforts and supports by the way which make me go 
happily forward. But I have no greater comfort than the firm 
hope, that my God is the God of my family, and my Saviour 
and Sanctifier theirs also. Many and many prayers have your 
Mamma and I poured out for you all ; for we regularly and con- 
stantly pray for you : and I trust that our gracious and merci- 
ful Saviour has accepted them, and will grant us, in His good 
time, the happy and blessed sight of seeing you all walking in 
the way of righteousness. Your letter to your Mamma gave us 
both the most sincere pleasure, as it satisfied us that our Hea- 
venly Teacher is shewing you your need of mercy and grace, 
and is opening your mind to discern the things which belong 
to your peace. You must not expect to understand these 
things fully till after a long course of experience of the folly 
and deceitfulness of your heart, the malice and subtlety of 
Satan, the allurements of the world, and yet the gracious for- 
bearance and ready assistance which your Lord will ever afford. 
Nay, I should not have implied that you could, after any expe- 
rience in this world, fully understand the things which are 
freely given to us of God. We shall go on, I doubt not, to 
eternity making fresh discoveries of the goodness and love of 



24S 



CORRESPONDENCE 



[Chap. XIV. 



God in the whole provision for our salvation. But it rejoices 
my heart, my clear child, that the Saviour, who taught by His 
Spirit so many of those from whom you sprang, and many of 
whom are now * passed into the skies,' has taken you into His 
school. He is the best Teacher who is our ( wisdom.' But I 
think, from your letter, that you have something to learn of 
His being made of God to us ' righteousness and sanctifica- 
tion :' something, indeed, of this great mystery of godliness 
you will always have to learn ; but I mean something that you 
may now learn, and which is necessary to your solid comfort of 
mind. Strive to be good and to do good : ' strive to enter in 
at the straight gate : ' watch your heart and your motives : 
wrestle earnestly with God in prayer for the forgiveness of your 
sins through the death of your Saviour, and for the enlighten- 
ing and sanctifying of your soul by the Holy Spirit. But then 
you must distinguish between the work which your Saviour 
has done for you, and that which, by His grace and Spirit, He 
will work in you. The holiness which He will work in you 
will still be imperfect : it is not the ground of your acceptance 
with God ; it never can be : you are pardoned, accepted, justi- 
fied, accounted righteous, only for the sake of the sufferings 
and perfect obedience of the Saviour for you and in your stead : 
this is justification. But then the faith which the Holy Spirit 
will give you, wherewith to lay hold on Christ, is a faith which 
worketh by love, and will lead you to ask, more and more, for 
sanctifying grace ; and, all your life long, you will feel the 
striving of this grace against your fallen and corrupt nature ; 
as you find, Rom. vii. 7 — 25, But your Saviour will conquer 
in and for you, and will become your Redeemer from all ene- 
mies, as well as your Righteousness to justify you, and the 
Spring of your sanctification in sending His Holy Spirit. 
There is a treatise of Bishop Hall's, in the eighth volume of 
his works, called f Christ Mystical :' read that when you have 
opportunity. You will find much in it that may, by the bless- 
ing of God, lead you to see more of Jesus than you yet do. 



1318.] 



WITH HIS CHILDREN. 



249 



Pray, my dear Caroline, for a deep sense of your need of Him, 
and for a lively faith whereby to embrace Him, and a heart 
wholly devoted to Him, constrained by His love. It is this 
which makes religion delightful. It is this which enables us 
to look up with happy confidence and holy joy in God as our 
Father. May our God graciously lead you and your brothers 
and sisters into the full enjoyment of His Fatherly love through 
Christ, and bring you all to His heavenly kingdom !" 

To his Second Daughter. 

" London, July 16, 1818. 
" We have been very glad to hear of and from you from time 
to time ; and now begin to think of your coming home again. 
Josiah has just broken up, and we are all now at Hampstead, 
though I date from London. There is, however, an odd- 
shaped sort of three-cornered room into which we can put Ca- 
roline and you, though you must be very careful to tell all your 
secrets before you come, or we shall overhear them. * * * * 
Well ; I did not mean to say so much about secret-keeping, 
nor indeed any thing, but it came in by the mention of the 
room, and I mean what I say for your good ; because it will 
help you very much to know whether things are right or wrong, 
if you will ask yourself about them — ( Should I be afraid or 
ashamed if my Papa and Mamma knew this V 5fou may 
depend on it, my dear Charlotte, that if you suffer your mind to 
think about any thing, or your wishes to dwell on any thing, 
or if you say any thing, or do any thing, or omit to do any 
thing that you know to be right, and, on asking yourself the 
question which I have supposed about these thoughts, and 
wishes, and doings, and omissions, your mind shrinks back 
from the thought of our knowing these things, you are in a 
wrong way, and must, without delay, dismiss these things, and 
pray to your Saviour to give you the grace of His Holy Spirit 
to make you fear and love your Heavenly Father. I hope you 
do pray sincerely and constantly. You are now getting a 



250 



CORRESPONDENCE 



[Chap. XIV. 



great girl, and are full of health and vigour ; and our Lord 
looks at children like you with pity and kindness. He pities 
you because you are fallen and sinful creatures, with proud 
and vain and heedless minds, and yet numberless sins on your 
head, which will assuredly sink you in eternal destruction if 
they are not forgiven you, and your heart made new. But then 
He loves as well as pities ; and gave Himself for us, an offering 
and a sacrifice to God : and every sinful and foolish thought 
that you indulge, and every neglect of private duty, and all in- 
difference to your Saviour — these are like despising Christ, and 
saying to Him, as the rebellious people in the parable did, 
* We will not have this man to reign over us.' 

" Now you will be called in a very few years, my dear Char- 
lotte, to go, as your brother and sister have lately done, to 
take on you, by the grace of God, the solemn vows made for 
you at your baptism. Your brother and sister have both, I 
trust, been very sincere, and serious, and humble, in what they 
have done ; and our Saviour has, we hope, taken them under 
His blessed care : and we pray and trust that He will receive 
you all. But do not wait one hour without going to Him. Do 
not think that you need not be so serious before you are con- 
firmed. You may die in a year, or a month, or a week ; and 
after death, come when that will, must come the judgment. 
Fly, therefore, to Christ : read some portion of the Bible in 
private, morning and evening : pray to your Lord to open your 
understanding, and awaken your conscience, and draw your 
heart by His Holy Spirit. Give yourself up to Christ with 
your whole soul. You may be lively, and cheerful, and happy 
still ; nay, you will then be really happy ; and you will make 
us happy, for our hearts, and those of your grandmamma and 
other friends, are deeply concerned : and we pray very much 
that you may all have the happiness which we have now, and 
which many of your honoured relatives have had on earth, who 
are now in heaven with their Saviour : and we pray that we 
may all, through the gracious mercy of God, having our sins 



1821.] 



WITH HIS CHILDREN. 



251 



washed away by the blood of Christ, and our souls regene- 
rated and sanctified by His Holy Spirit, at last meet in 
that world where we shall unite to praise God and the Lamb 
for ever. 

" I have taken the opportunity, my dear Charlotte, of writ- 
ing these things to you, that you may look at what I write 
again and again, and may pray to your Heavenly Father to call 
you, by His grace, to be His obedient servant and loving 
child." 

A very instructive feature in his correspondence 
with his children — and one, of the great value and 
comfort of which they can all with gratitude and 
praise to God happily testify — was his invariable 
practice of assuring them, that, without ceasing, he had 
remembrance of them daily in his prayers before God. 
The following letter of advice was written to his eldest 
son upon entering on a college life ; and we trace in 
this as in the former letters the same paternal desire 
that his children should grow up in the fear of God 
and the service of their Saviour. His son had been 
educated at St. Paul's School, and had never before 
this occasion left home for any length of time. 

"London, Oct. 16, 1821. 

" MY DEAR JOSIAH 

" As you are now, for the first time, on the point of leaving 
your father's roof, to become, in some measure, your own 
master, I think it best to put on paper the substance of what 
I have said to you, particularly with regard to your mode of 
spending your Sundays at College. It is a great source of 
comfort and gratitude to me and your mother, that we have 
reason to hope that God our Saviour has given you a sincere 
desire to devote your life to Him; and it is our constant 
prayer for you, and for your sisters and brother, that He 



252 



CORRESPONDENCE 



[Chap. XIV. 



would sanctify you all to His service. That service we find 
to be perfect freedom ; and we are easy and happy only in pro- 
portion as we live near to Him, by the grace of the Holy Spirit 
in faith and love. 

" For your Daily Course, let me urge you to attend to all 
your College duties with seriousness and punctuality. That 
the blessing of God may rest on you in'them, spend conscien- 
tiously and devoutly a portion of time (say half an hour at the 
least), every morning and evening, in reading the Scriptures in 
regular order, without a commentary, for devotional purposes, 
and in meditation and prayer. At noon, and as opportunities 
serve, or as difficulties and trials come on you, shut your door 
about you, and pour out your heart to your Father in heaven. 
So will every day be spent with God and to His glory. 

" In such a course as this, go on, with confidence and cou- 
rage. Let no difficulties in your College work dismay you. Do 
always the best that you can, and then be quite satisfied that 
I shall be pleased and thankful, whatever results may follow. 

"But to your Sundays I would particularly call your atten- 
tion. On your manner of spending them very much of your 
best interests will depend. I am persuaded, therefore, that you 
will accept from me the following Hints with readiness, and en- 
deavour to make them your guide : — 

" 1. Rise always in sufficient time to spend half an hour in 
private reading and prayer before College Chapel. 

" 2. From breakfast till church time read the Scriptures in 
regular order, with Scott's Commentary. If a pious and judi- 
cious friend would agree to do this with you, breakfasting with 
each other alternately for this purpose, it might be mutually 
beneficial. 

" S. Attend Trinity Church in the morning. 
" 4. Attend the University Church in the afternoon. 
" 5. Take an outline of the sermons which you hear. 
" 6. After College prayers in the evening, always drink tea 
alone, and spend till nine in retirement. Let this be a season 



1822.] 



WITH HIS CHILDREN. 



253 



for thinking over the week past, and looking forward to the 
week coming on. Remember us all in prayer, and look to the 
Holy Spirit to enlarge your views of your Heavenly Father's 
love and your Saviour's grace, and to awaken zeal for the sal- 
vation of a lost world. If the following Sunday be Sacrament 
Sunday (which always attend), let your thoughts be turned 
particularly toward that sacred ordinance. Let some excellent 
author be always in hand ; such as Milner, Hopkins, Leighton, 
Hall, &c. 

* * * * * * * * 

" May the God of your fathers be with you ! and every day 
and every hour may the Spirit of Christ rest on you ! These 
are the hearty prayers for you, my dear Josiah, of 

" Your affectionate father." 

Twelve months later, when his son was entering on 
his second year at the University, he wrote : — 

"***** Never forget my leading maxim — Do all 
things which you ought to do, and do them in the best way 
that you are able ; and then cheerfully leave the issue to Him 
whom you serve. ***** 

" Cultivate those important virtues, Prudent Forethought and 
Resolute Punctuality. It is my daily prayer for you, that you 
may be graciously prepared for that high and holy work to 
which our lives are, I trust, devoted ; and it is the lively sense 
of your obligation to serve your Heavenly Master, which must 
supply a daily and hourly stimulus to your mind. 

" There are five things which you must daily attend to — 
devotion, study, exercise, diet, and rest. Remember that you 
are working for a gracious Master. May His eye ever be on 
you for good ! " 

The following letter was addressed to his son on 
coming of age. It was written from Clifton, whither 
he had gone to preach and attend a Meeting in behalf 



254 



CORRESPONDENCE 



[Chap. XIV. 



of the Church Missionary Society, at the Tenth Anni- 
versary of their Association : — 

" Clifton, March 23, 1823. 

"my dear josiah — 

" The clock is just going to strike twelve, at midnight of the 
22nd, so that I shall have entered on your birthday before I 
conclude. I was not aware that this was the day, till your 
mother, in a letter received this morning, mentioned it ; I would 
otherwise have written to you in time for you to have heard from 
me on this day. However, I will now express to you somew T hat 
of those feelings and wishes, which the information awakened 
toward you. Had you been born to a great estate in this 
world, we should all have not only known and thought of the 
day, but mighty preparations would have been made to cele- 
brate the joyful occasion. I trust, however, that though God, 
in His good providence, has withheld this from you, yet that 
He has made you heir of a better inheritance even in this world, 
and of one that is ( incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not 
away,' reserved for you in heaven. You have the blood of 
saints, now ' made like unto the angels,' in your veins, and in- 
herit the rich blessing of their prayers when on earth, and of 
the prayers of others who are living. For myself, I commit 
you daily to God, and to His covenant mercy and love, and 
doubt not but He will hear, and prepare you for His heavenly 
kingdom. What service our Lord may be pleased to appoint 
you on earth, we leave to His wisdom and grace : but whether 
He lead you to labour at home or abroad, our chief desire and 
prayer is, that He would, by Has Holy Spirit, fit you for His 
service, and abundantly bless you therein. In the plain path 
of our duty, humbly pursuing our way, while we look to the 
pillar and the cloud, and lean by faith on an Almighty arm, let 
our encouragement be the name of Jehovah- Jireh — ' God will 
provide.' 

"You will have heard from your mother on this happy 
occasion. She will have poured out the affectionate wishes of 



1823.] 



WITH HIS CHILDREN. 



255 



her heart for you, as she often does her prayers. They are 
some of our happiest seasons when, every Sunday, we unite 
in prayer for you all, mentioning your peculiar circumstances 
before our gracious God and Saviour." * * * * 

To the same at a later date he writes : — 

" I have been anxious, in all that concerns you, to follow the 
leadings of God's gracious hand. The shortness and uncer- 
tainty of our lives, the infinite value of souls, the greatness of 
our office as appointed by Christ to bring souls to Himself, the 
difficulties of the work, the pressing wants of these times of 
rebuke and blasphemy, yet the manifest blessing which attends 
devoted servants of our Lord — these and many similar consi- 
derations render it a very clear duty for a student who wishes 
to live to his Lord, to make all his pursuits bend as directly 
and immediately as practicable on his sufficiency -for the 
Ministry and the full work of an Evangelist. I grant that 
these very considerations, and others which might be drawn 
from the peculiarity of our times, shew that consecrated learn- 
ing is most valuable in our day. My earnest prayer, therefore, 
for you is, that you may be enabled to pursue your studies with 
a single eye and in a devout spirit ; and then you will be the 
better fitted to do the work of a Christian scholar." 

To the same still later : — 

" A field of ministerial labour is before you, in the cultivation 
of which, with the blessing of your Heavenly Master, you may 
learn how to gather and to nurture the sheep of His fold. 
Living close to Him in your private prayers and study of His 
Word, the Holy Spirit will enable you to draw out of His 
fulness all that you shall need in order to your ' doing the 
work of an Evangelist,' and ' making full proof of your mini- 
stry.' If it be His design that you should come and labour 
with me, we shall not want sufficient tokens of this His will, if 
we are in a right frame to discern them. If He would have you 



256 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS CHILDREN. [Chap. XIV. 



move elsewhere at any time, we shall see the way opened, and 
shall hear the plain call. Only let us in all things have 
patience with Him. ( He that believeth shall not make haste.' 
We have, as a family, abundant reason thus to wait for Him : 
quick to discern and prompt to obey the real intimations of His 
holy will ; while we maintain, through His grace, a due check on 
the working of our fickle or selfish feelings. I pray God that 
you may be enabled continually to renew, and with increasing 
fervour of spirit, the surrender of yourself wholly, in the work 
of the ministry, to Him ' whose we are, and whom we serve.' " 

The following extract from a letter addressed to his 
third daughter, is illustrative of the manner in which 
he combined with affectionate parental advice to his 
children, a lively interest in their enjoyments and re- 
creations. This was a marked feature in his domestic 
character. Never will they forget the warm welcome 
with which he always received them after an absence 
from home, and the pleasure with which he would, on 
such occasions, relate or listen to the history of recent 
occurrences : — 

« * * * You will not object, I dare say, to receive a 
line from me. You must be pretty well accustomed to your 
present scenes and friends so as to admit, not unwillingly at 
least, the recollection of worn-out faces and every-day facts ; 
for even these get a freshness by absence. You will come 
home loaded, I expect, with circumstantials, which will ever 
and anon come upon you with such vivacity, that we shall be 
made living parties in your groups and adventures. It is plea- 
sant to me to be persuaded that you will receive, and retain, 
and communicate, a savour of that which will help us on through 
death and the grave. Let that not only be the bottom and 
support of all our joys, but break through, as occasion may 
serve and God may be glorified. ( Out of the abundance of 



1802—1823.] HIS PRIVATE AND SOCIAL HABITS. 



257 



the heart the mouth speaketh.' May the spirit of my dear old 
friend* refresh your spirit, and lead all you younger servants 
of Christ to walk more closely with Him ! We all fail here. 
May our Gracious Head evermore supply to us all, my dear 
Eliza, that seasonable grace which shall revive and quicken 
us in all our manifold failings ! He who has begun His good 
work, I trust, in us all, who are the adults of our households, 
must carry on and perfect the work. But He will do it by 
awakening our vigilance and strengthening our faith. Let us 
be upright with Him, and sincere before Him. We cannot 
have His approving presence, and enjoy the testimony of the 
Spirit with our spirits that we are His pardoned and accepted 
servants, but as we walk closely with Him, ' giving diligence 
to make our calling and election sure.' " 

Several other traits in Mr. Pratt's private character 
shall now be mentioned, before we close this Chapter. 

He did not mix much in company. This did not 
proceed from pride or an unsociable disposition ; but 
partly from a natural shyness, which has already 
been alluded to, and partly from an incessant love of 
action : he seemed never easy, unless he thought that 
he was doing something. And these constitutional 
tendencies were fostered as opportunities of useful- 
ness opened upon him, and his public occupations 
increased ; which at length so absorbed his time and 
attention, that he was not often seen in company, even 
among his relatives. This was perhaps carried to an 
extreme, as it prevented him from taking that occasional 
relaxation which appeared desirable for his own benefit, 



* The late Rev. Robert Jarratt, upwards of fifty years Vicar of Wel- 
lington, Somerset. 

S 



258 



MR. PRATT'S PRIVATE 



[Chap. XIV. 



as well as for the gratification of his friends. Yet he 
would sometimes enter with great animation into the 
social circle ; always, however, finding his " delight 
in the excellent of the earth ;" and his " speech was 
with grace, seasoned with salt/' and directed to some 
useful end : nor was he pleased, unless such social 
occasions were " sanctified by the Word of God and 
prayer." 

He delighted greatly in the scenes of nature, and 
would unbend like a boy when released in the summer 
from the severity of his engagements and the re- 
straints of the town. Being of an active and strongly- 
built frame, and of buoyant spirits, he exulted in the 
exercise of his bodily powers, especially when accom- 
panied by his family or intimate friends : his sea-side 
excursions have been noticed in a previous Chapter. 

It has been already remarked, that he possessed an 
instinctive love of order and method. This methodical 
habit of mind displayed itself most beneficially in 
many ways. His various accounts and memoranda 
were kept with minute regularity and exactness in 
a neat and legible handwriting, and all his papers 
were systematically arranged. There was a deal of 
wary forethought about him, in providing against 
exigencies which were likely to arise. He would at 
once write down thoughts as they occurred to his 
mind, and stow away these hints in some pigeon- 
hole against the time of need ; and hence, being ready 
when that time arrived, he saved himself and others 
much hurry and inconvenience. Simple as all this 
may appear, none but an active and persevering mind 



1802—1823.] 



AND SOCIAL HABITS. 



259 



could have accomplished it. His methodical disposal 
of his own affairs, at the same time, left his mind the 
more at liberty for breaking off from his usual employ- 
ments when unavoidably interrupted. He rarely 
denied himself, when persons called on him for advice 
(as was frequently the case), though he might be 
closely occupied in his study. He would generally, 
under such circumstances, give a patient attention to 
any case of interest and importance which might be 
brought before him. He was also very punctual in 
keeping appointments : and his friends always found 
him the same man, uniformly courteous, open-hearted, 
and sincere. 

There was another feature in Mr. Pratt's personal 
character, the practical influence of which on his 
course, though in a quiet manner, was so evident, that 
it ought not to pass unnoticed. He was naturally 
endowed with a large and liberal heart ; and although 
possessing but a moderate income, was always ready 
to respond, to the utmost of his ability, to the various 
claims on Christian benevolence so abounding in the 
present age. He was, moreover, deeply impressed 
with the duty incumbent on Christians to devote at 
least a tenth part of their income to religious and 
charitable purposes ; regarding this as a suitable 
average, to be varied more or less by special circum- 
stances. This view he considered to be according to 
the spirit of Scripture, though he allowed that the 
present Dispensation leaves the conscience at greater 
liberty than the former, by giving no particular direc- 
tions on the point. He used frequently to lament 

s 2 



260 



MR. PRATT'S PRIVATE CHARACTER. [Chap. XIV. 



the want of a higher standard among Christians on 
this subject, and the consequent want of a more 
extended liberality in the Christian world, whilst 
acknowledging, with thankfulness, that there were 
many exceptions. He would often observe on how 
much larger a scale we should see religious Societies 
supported, if this principle were adequately carried 
out. 

These private virtues secured for him the respect 
and affection of the numerous persons with whom he 
had to deal ; and combined with those public services 
which were " known and read of all men," to render 
him greatly beloved and deservedly popular. 

But we must now revert to the narrative, and proceed 
to notice an important event, which determined Mr. 
Pratt's position for the remainder of his life. 



CHAPTER XV. 



1823—1831. 

ELECTION TO THE VICARAGE OF ST. STEPHEN^, COLEMAN STREET — LETTER 
TO THE REV. DANIEL WILSON — ENTRANCE ON PASTORAL LABOURS — 

MARRIAGE OF MR. PRATES ELDEST DAUGHTER SEVERE ATTACK OF 

INFLAMMATION IN THE EYE — RESIGNATION OF THE LECTURESHIP AT 

ST. MARY WOOLNOTH's — VISIT TO RAMSGATE ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE A 

MELANCHOLY EVENT WHICH HAPPENED AT THAT PLACE. 

The character of Mr. Pratt's ministry, as e( a preacher 
of the Word/' has been already noticed. He had not 
as yet been the pastor of any parochial cure ; but just 
when he was beginning to feel it necessary to seek 
relief from the daily increasing pressure of business 
connected with the Church Missionary Society, an 
opening was providentially presented, which promised 
to afford exactly that sphere of labour in which he 
desired to close his days. 

In the spring of 1823, the living of St. Stephen's, 
Coleman Street, in the City of London, became vacant 
by the death of the Rev. Thomas Twigg, and several 
of the leading parishioners, personally unknown to 
him, invited Mr. Pratt to offer himself as candidate at 
the approaching election of a successor. The living 
of St. Stephen's was given by Queen Elizabeth to the 
parish, in consequence of which the choice of the Vicar 
is vested in the householders. He felt that he ought 
to view an invitation so unlooked for on his own part, as 
an indication of the Divine will ; and therefore cheer- 
fully and thankfully met the requisition by offering 



262 



MR. PRATT'S ELECTION 



[Chap. XV. 



himself as a candidate. Several others sent in their 
names to the feoffees ; but on the day of election, three 
decidedly took the lead. Great excitement prevailed 
on the occasion, and Mr. Pratt's friends (especially 
Mr. Jeremiah Carter, Chairman of his Committee, and 
Mr. Warren S. Hale) exerted themselves with unwea- 
ried assiduity in his behalf. At the close he stood first 
by a few votes, and was declared duly elected. To a 
relative, who had given his assistance on the day of 
election, he thus writes : — 

" I have thought it my duty to address to each of my friends, 
who so strenuously supported me in the late arduous contest 
for St. Stephen's Vicarage, an acknowledgment of my sincere 
thanks ; and though you, in common with the rest, avow the 
grounds of your efforts to have been public, I do not the less 
feel the personal kindness to myself, but rather an increase of 
obligation from the delicate manner in which the subject is 
thus put. For yourself, however your desire to establish the 
Gospel among the parishioners of St. Stephen's may have been 
stimulated and strengthened by family ties and feelings, yet I 
am persuaded that you would not have sacrificed to such con- 
siderations the interests of religion and the salvation of im- 
mortal souls. Accept then, my dear friend, my hearty thanks ; 
and be assured that I feel it no small alleviation of the pain 
arising from some of the circumstances which attended the 
ballot, that I can address you, and each of my other active 
friends, as owing to your personal exertions, under the blessing 
of God, this important appointment. Whatever delays may 
occur in gaining possession, He, I doubt not, will overrule 
them, who has so remarkably manifested in this affair the 
government of His Almighty Hand. And I am not a little 
encouraged to hope, from this plain manifestation of His power 
and will, that He has graciously appointed me to be a minister 



1823—1826.] TO ST. STEPHEN'S, COLEMAN STREET. 



263 



of good to the people. But you must crown all your past kind- 
ness, by ' helping together in prayer to God for me,' that 
Christ may be magnified greatly in the success of His Gospel. 
" I am ever, with sincere regard, 

" Your affectionate relative, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

The " delays/' here hinted at, did take place. The 
supporters of one of the unsuccessful candidates took 
exception to some of the votes on Mr. Pratt's side, and 
the case was thrown into chancery. After an interval 
of three years, the Lord Chancellor decided that the 
election ought to have been by poll, and not, as it had 
been, by ballot. A second election accordingly took 
place, which again terminated in favour of Mr. Pratt ; 
and in the autumn of 1826 he was inducted into the 
living. 

The following letter, written July 4, 1826, in reply 
to one of congratulation received on this happy 
occasion from a circle of relatives in the neighbour- 
hood of Birmingham, shews the spirit in which he 
desired to view the manifestation of Divine Providence 
in the whole affair : — 

" MY DEAR BROTHER — 

" I beg to return to, you, and through you to all my relatives 
and friends, who with you signed your affectionate letter of 
congratulation on my re-election to St. Stephen's, my cordial 
thanks. It is no little comfort to me, in the review of what is 
past, and in the anticipation of new duties to come, to be 
assured that many prayers have been offered for me. The 
hand of the Lord is so clearly to be seen throughout this 
whole affair, that I am encouraged to believe that He has 
purposes of mercy toward the people now committed to 
me. * * * * 



264 



MR. PRATT'S LETTER 



[Chap. XV. 



" I shall endeavour to behave to all, as one whose life is to 
be spent in doing good to all for the Lord's sake. In an 
important sense, I hope to be able to act on the Apostle's prin- 
ciple, ' Henceforth know we no man after the flesh.' I count 
much on the prayers of those who look for the spiritual good 
of this people ; and I hope that even the dear children who 
have put their hands to the expression of their good wishes for 
me, will all remember that God alone can lengthen my days, 
and by the grace of His Holy Spirit bring this people to know 
Christ as their Saviour. I hope they will all remember, now 
and then, that I, and their aunt, and their cousins, are trying 
to do good to a great number of children, and poor persons, 
and ignorant persons, in the middle of the city of London, and 
would pray that our Saviour would help us and bless us. 
There is a goodly company of truly pious persons among the 
parishioners, whose aid will, of course, be heartily rendered to 
all proper plans for benefiting the people. I have sent round 
the parish a conciliatory letter, which I hope will remove the 
apprehension, entertained by some, of unpleasant recollections 
on my part. * * * * 

" I hope to read myself in next Sunday." * * * * 

During the period of suspense between the two 
elections, his early friend, the Rev. Daniel Wilson, was 
called to the far larger pastoral charge of the parish of 
Islington. The following letter was addressed to him 
by Mr. Pratt on this occasion ; and is the more inter- 
esting, as having been written at a time when his own 
mind was preparing for a somewhat similar change : — 

" MY DEAR FRIEND 

" I should have paid you a visit before this time, in your 
new and important charge, had I not been really oppressed by 
overwhelming duties and ill health. I shall come the first 
opportunity, perhaps on Monday. Be assured, however, that 



1823—1826.] TO THE REV. DANIEL WILSON. 



265 



you have, and. shall continue to have, my earnest prayers for 
your special success in your weighty charge. * * * * 

" Your past life, as a Student, a Tutor, and a Minister, has 
been a life of great intellectual exertion : and you have had 
grace given to you to meet its demands in a way for which, 
while you yourself see abundant cause in your whole course 
for the deepest self-abasement, very many will have reason 
to praise God for ever. * * * * 

" But necessity now calls you to a somewhat different course ; 
and, mercifully, it is as expedient and promising as it is unavoid- 
able. To throw your whole intellect, by constant and exhausting 
efforts, into your ministry at Islington, as you have done at St. 
John's, would bring you quickly to the grave. But that course 
would be out of place at Islington. The great mass of your 
parishioners are subjects of impression, rather than conviction. 
Solemn appeals to the conscience, and tender appeals to the 
heart, will do far more with them than the most powerful 
appeals to the judgment. I am sure, my dear friend, you will 
not suppose that I mean to imply any undue prevalence of the 
intellectual in your past ministry : all that I mean is, that 
circumstances led to the necessity of making that so prominent, 
as greatly to wear and exhaust you ; but that your changed cir- 
cumstances lead you to render prominent and characteristic, in 
your future ministry, those qualities of tenderness and affection 
which will, at once, less exhaust your own spirits in prepara- 
tion, and be more consolatory and strengthening to your own 
soul in the exercise. The shepherd — the father — the nurse — 
the overseer — the example — the ' brother and companion in 
tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ' — 
' Paul the aged,' ' rather beseeching, though he might be much 
bold in Christ to enjoin'— the winner of souls : these and other 
similar characteristics of the maturer labours of the holy Apostles 
lead for us the way, and shew after what manner our own closing 
ministry should be exercised. I trust that you will be merci- 
fully enabled to cast all the burden of care, which so great a 



266 



MR. PRATT'S FAREWELL 



[Chap. XV. 



charge brings with it, on the Lord. I am rejoiced to learn 
that you are relieved from that of St. John's, and I pray God 
abundantly to bless your successor there. I hope you will cut 
off, as speedily as may be, all extraneous cares, such as the 
French Commentary ; for I am quite persuaded that, under 
your circumstances, you are called to do personally as little 
as possible in things out of your own parish. Surround your- 
self, so far as needful, with able, docile, and affectionate 
assistants, and live like a father in the midst of all your 
children ; and God our Saviour, I have good hope and humble 
confidence, will make your last days your most fruitful. I 
make no apology for the freedom of this letter, as it is an 
expression of that unfeigned regard with which I am, 
" My dear friend, ever yours, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

Mr. Pratt's removal to the parish of St. Stephen's 
led necessarily to his resignation of Wheler Chapel, 
Spitalfields. He had already preached a Farewell 
Sermon there on the 31st of August, 1823, four days 
after his first election, and previously to hearing of the 
impediment which so long prevented him from enter- 
ing on his new field of labour. His text was Phil. i. 
27 : " Only let your conversation be as it becometh 
the gospel of Christ : that whether I come and see you, 
or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye 
stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving to- 
gether for the faith of the gospel." He felt, that the 
separation of a minister from the flock with which he 
had been connected for many years, was an event which 
should suggest solemn reflection. With this feeling 
he thus addressed them : — 

" There are seasons in which the Christian minister is called 
to a more particular review than usual, of the work in which he 



1823.] 



SERMON AT WHELER CHAPEL. 



267 



has been engaged, and his congregation to an inquiry what 
effect his ministry has had upon them. 

" The approach of death, or of the entire removal of a 
minister from his flock by any other cause, is the most solemn 
of these seasons. But, short of the solemn season of the final 
separation between minister and people, circumstances may 
lead to an interruption of that constant intercourse which may 
have been maintained between them. I need scarcely to say 
that I allude, in this remark, to my own case. 

" You are doubtless most of you acquainted with the cir- 
cumstances to which I refer. While it was a matter of uncer- 
tainty, what might be the will of God respecting my appoint- 
ment to the important charge of a populous parish in the • 
City, it did not become me to make any allusion to the case : 
but now that the course of duty which it has pleased God to 
open before me is made plain, I cannot enter on the new path to 
which His gracious providence leads me without endeavouring, 
under the blessing of the Holy Spirit, to improve the occasion. 

" It is now nearly thirteen years, since I first preached 
among you the Gospel of the grace of God. With humble 
thankfulness I desire to acknowledge the presence of God 
among us. The word, though preached in weakness, has not 
been preached in vain. I and my brethren who have laboured 
with me are but 'earthen vessels;' but ' the excellency of that 
power ' has been put forth which is ' of God.' Some who, through 
grace, received the Word with power, have been gathered 
home to God ; others are witnessing still on earth a good con- 
fession. But what can each of us now say conscientiously of 
himself? This is a fit season to put such a question home. 

"As, in the appointment of our Heavenly Father, I may 
hereafter only occasionally have the happiness of renewing my 
ministry among you, can I, with confidence, address these 
words to every one of you ? I do not speak of the very young ; 
though I trust that the children will not all have heard in vain : 
but may I, on good grounds, address these words to each of 



268 



ENTRANCE ON PASTORAL LABOURS. 



[Chap. XV. 



those who, having come to years of discretion and accountable- 
ness, have been habitual attendants at the House of God ? I 
fear I cannot. For these words imply much concerning those, 
to whom they may be properly spoken — ' Only let your con- 
versation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ' " 

He then opens his subject at large, and concludes 
as follows : — 

" Let me, in conclusion, entreat your prayers ! I thank you 
for all the instances of your love. The best evidence of con- 
tinued regard will be your fervent prayers that the Holy Spirit 
may rest, in His abundant influence, on my future ministry. 
It is a weighty charge on which I am entering. Perhaps 
2000 souls, in the heart of our immense City, and in the midst 
of all its temptations and snares, committed to my care ! " 

The population of the parish was, however, double the 
number here mentioned : it amounted to about 4000. 

The establishment of various useful institutions 
quickly followed his entrance upon this pastoral 
charge: an Infant School, a Sunday School, a District 
Visiting Society, a Society for assisting Married 
Women during their Confinement, a Church Missio- 
nary Association, were introduced into the parish in 
rapid succession. He also compiled an excellent 
Collection of Psalms and Hymns for the use of his 
Parishioners in Public Worship, of which 52,000 copies 
have been printed, many other Congregations having 
since adopted it : this was followed by another Collec- 
tion for Private and Social use. The same energy of 
mind which had been called into exercise in past years, 
did not cease to devise methods of doing good in the new 
relations in which God had now placed him. And it 
was a delight both to himself and his family, thus to 



1827 ] VISIT TO RAMSGrATE. 269 

be called to labour for the temporal and spiritual good 
of their neighbours, especially the poor. At the close of 
this year, his elder son entered the Ministry, and was 
ordained to his fathers curacy : he resided under the 
paternal roof till April 11, 1835, when he married Sarah, 
younger daughter of the late James Weston, Esq., of 
Upper Homerton and Fenchurch Street ; he continued 
to serve the curacy till Mr. Pratt's death, when he was 
unanimously chosen to be his successor. 

In the autumn of 1827 the church was shut up for 
repairs and alterations ; a north gallery and galleries 
for the schools were added, and other changes were 
made. Mr. Pratt had for some time been suffering from 
ill health, and was therefore glad to avail himself of 
this recess to visit Ramsgate ; and was afterwards in- 
duced to spend a few days at Cheltenham. The follow- 
ing letter, written at this time to his eldest daughter, 
shews how anxious he was to enlist all the members of 
his family as helpers in his new parochial charge : — 

" 15 Finsbury Circus, Aug. 25. 
" I am glad to hear that you begin to look homeward ; 
though I could not call you away prematurely from a scene 
and society profitable, I doubt not, both to your health and 
your spirit. I have no fear of your becoming indifferent to 
home ; and consider the interests of my parish concerned in 
your bringing with you a good stock of both physical and 
spiritual vigour for your winter campaign. Our chief good is 
to be done, I perceive, by what Dr. Chalmers so happily calls 
Aggressive Benevolence. As you are all fled away, except 
Marianne, the people seem very quiet : the loss of their usual 
supplies of money brings, indeed, a few to the door ; but I 
think, if they could do without us for their bodies, they would 
be very glad not to be disturbed by us about their souls. To 



270 



ELDEST DAUGHTER'S MARRIAGE. 



[Chap. XV. 



this, however, God helping, they shall never bring us. I am 
sent to them with the message of mercy ; and, by my ministry, 
or my books, or my children, I hope that, ere long, the message 
will reach the ear or the eye of every one capable of under- 
standing it. 

" The church is proceeding rapidly. The carpenters' work 
will be finished, they say, next week : the week following is 
for plasterers and painters : the next for cleaning and airing : 
then comes Sunday the 16th of September, when it ought to be 
opened ; ( but,' as the Chancellor said, ' I doubt.' " 

After mentioning his own health, he adds : — 

" I am better than I was at Ramsgate, where I was very 
much oppressed by lassitude. But all is well. Our pains and 
weakness should serve to remind us of years of ease and 
strength, that we may mingle 1 thanksgiving ' with the ' requests ' 
which ' nature itself puts us on making to God." 

On the 27th of March, 1828, his eldest daughter was 
married to the Rev. Thomas Clowes, Fellow of Queen's 
College, Cambridge, and then Lecturer of Cromer. 
That this separation was not made without a pang in 
his affectionate heart, may be inferred from the follow- 
ing letter to his daughter, sent by the first member of 
the family who visited her after her marriage : — 

" MY DEAR CAROLINE 

" On this first occasion of renewing our personal intercourse 
with you by your sister's visit, I feel as though I was almost 
on the point of seeing you myself. I wish I could do so ; but 
that will, I hope, come in its time. In the mean while, these 
separations and long distances are not exactly what we should 
desire if we had our will : but it is our strength and consolation, 
that the God of your fathers is your God. To Him, recon- 
ciled and gracious in Christ Jesus, we continually commend 
you and your beloved husband, as we doubt not you do us : 
and this privilege of unbosoming ourselves before Him will 



1828.] 



IMPROVEMENT OF THE OCCASION. 



271 



continue, I trust, to unite us, while we continue on earth, by an 
indissoluble bond. * * * * My prayers are daily offered 
for you both, that the presence and blessing of the Saviour 
may be with you, and that the labours of your dear husband, 
aided and relieved, so far as it may be in your power, by your 
loving care, may be abundantly prospered in training his pupils, 
and, above all, in winning souls. I desire to be most affec- 
tionately remembered to him. 

" Believe me ever, my dear Caroline, your loving Father, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

On the occasion of his daughter's marriage, Mr. 
Pratt addressed to the assembled party some interest- 
ing remarks on the marriage union, founded on 
the 17th chapter of St. John's Gospel. He dwelt 
upon it as especially employed by the Word of God, 
to illustrate the highest of ail unions to which man 
can be admitted — that of the soul with Christ, of the 
church with her Redeemer — a union which should at 
the same time be the great pattern for the married life. 
The following letter, written not very long after, to a 
member of his former congregation at Wheler Chapel, 
when about to enter the marriage state, contains 
some useful remarks on the same important subject : — 

To Miss Buxton. 

" By some unusual mishap, Mrs. Buxton's letter, announcing 
your intended marriage, did not reach me, or I should not 
have so long delayed my thanks to her for her kindness in 
apprising me, and my congratulations to you on this occasion. 
Not that I could find in my heart to congratulate you on the 
mere ground of marriage. It is altogether a matter of circum- 
stances. If our gracious Lord and Master, who assigns to us 
our stations, provide for His youthful servants such a parental 



272 



LETTER ON MARRIAGE. 



[Chap. XV. 



roof and such filial occupations as He has done for you, it must 
be a marriage of high promise which can be justly made a 
subject of congratulation. But I hear with pleasure and thank- 
fulness that yours will be such. On your part, I feel confi- 
dence, that the influences of that Divine Spirit which brought 
you early to Christ, and have enabled you to endear yourself 
to your beloved parents and all your family, will accompany 
you in your new relation, and will shew their power in mould- 
ing the Christian wife, as they have done in forming the Chris- 
tian daughter and sister. You enjoy, as Christians, an advan- 
tage in respect of the married life over all who are not such. 
No principles, or motives, or rules, for the conduct of the mar- 
ried, unless as derived immediately or remotely from the Scrip- 
tures themselves, can have any thing resembling, or approach- 
ing to the resemblance of, the inspired code, given Eph. v. 
22 — 33. The principle of mutual submission there inculcated, 
with its appropriate modifications, and the high motives and 
example by which it is enforced, all discover their Divine 
origin. Mere morals and philosophy may lay down rules for 
our conduct in life, from observing how men feel and act in 
their various relations in society; but it is the Gospel of the 
grace of God alone, which can discover to us our wants, our 
duties, our resources, and our consolations. It is, indeed, their 
' glad tidings ' that all who seek such grace shall obtain it ; and 
it must be your consolation, my dear Priscilla, in departing from 
the house of your beloved parents, where you have been nur- 
tured and blessed, and it must be theirs in giving you up to the 
protection and fostering care of your husband, that, out of the 
fulness of the great Head of influence, she who departeth and 
they who remain shall still be supplied. 

" It is fit that the labourer should have his repose. And 
sometimes, so wearying and harassing is our appointed labour 
in the cause of Christ and for the salvation of men, that we are 
apt to fix limits, beyond which we feel as though we must rest 
and be still. I think your dear father must have felt this 



1828.] 



PAINFUL ATTACK IN HIS EYE. 



273 



oftentimes ; and must have looked at that consummation now 
so wonderfully and happily attained, as a sort of close to his 
labours. But it is surprising how soon, where the grace of 
God lives in an active and energetic mind, a little repose makes 
the spirit restless for more labour. I rejoice to see, what I 
expected that we should see, that other objects of benevolent 
care and of extensive influence on the good of mankind are 
beginning to occupy him. And though you may yourself be 
less immediately his helper than you have been, you will feel, 
I doubt not, a kindred spirit stirring within you, leading you to 
co-operate with your father and your husband in every plan 
and effort of true charity. For the present, be content, and 
give yourself a little rest after your toil. The Israelite newly 
married could not be called out to war for the first year, that 
he might stay at home and cherish his wife ; the mercy and 
wisdom of this law are worthy of consideration. Let your early 
married life pass in the endearing society of each other ; and 
seek then to form and fix those habits which may bring glory 
to God, and be a comfort and blessing to all around you. 

" Forgive me if I have insensibly fallen into an admonitory 
strain. To one who has to deal, in the name of the Saviour, with 
none but wilful sinners and imperfect saints, this strain becomes 
almost natural and habitual ; yet I would cheer and encourage 
you by the boundless mercies and the gracious promises of our 
Heavenly Father. In all my best wishes and earnest prayers, I 
include your betrothed husband, and beg of our God to shower 
down on you both the rich blessings of His Covenant love. 
" With the kindest regards to your dear father and mother, 
" I am ever, your very affectionate friend, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

Not long after Mr. Pratt removed to St. Stephen's, 
it pleased God to visit him with a complaint, in con- 
sequence of which he was sometimes entirely unfitted 
for public duty. A violent attack' of inflammation 

T 



274 



PAINFUL ATTACK IN HIS EYE. 



[Chap. XV, 



seized his right eye. He had never enjoyed the use 
of this eye, but the pain which he suffered in it at 
this time affected the other also by sympathy, so 
as to render it nearly useless. In the spring of 
1828, he was laid aside eleven weeks, a period 
longer than any former intermission which sickness 
had occasioned throughout his whole ministry. This 
visitation was the more inconvenient, as he always 
spent a large portion of time in his study ; and 
efficient preparation for the monthly publication of 
the "Missionary Register" entailed a vast amount 
of reading, as well as the occupation of correcting the 
press, still more trying to a weak sight. 

After he found relief from his first attack, he thus 
writes to his daughter, Mrs, Clowes : — 

"June 9, 1828. 

" I am thankful to say, that it has pleased God greatly to 
restore me. I have resumed my public work again, having 
now preached at all my churches. I did not preach at 
St. Mary Woolnoth's till last night. My eye is still very 
susceptible ; and Dr. Farre tells me that the aqueous humour 
is too abundant ; and that if my constitution were in a state to 
bear it, he should discharge that humour. I trust that my 
long withdrawment, of three months, from public duty, will lead 
me to value my work more than I have ever done. It is sad 
that we must be deprived of privileges before we can duly value 
them. However, let us be thankful that by these various ways, 
even in our chastisements, all is in love." 

The susceptibility of which he here speaks, conti- 
nually made him liable to these attacks till the year 
1830, when a severer visitation of pain than the first 
kept him from his pulpit for the long interval of 



1331.] 



HE RESIGNS ST. MARY WOOLNOTH'S. 



275 



twenty-three weeks. His sufferings were at times 
very acute ; so much so, that he could scarcely bear 
the sensation produced by a person walking across 
the room. But with reference to them he writes to 
his younger son, then at College : — 

" Let me add my testimony to that of millions, that though 
( no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but rather 
grievous, nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits 
of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby.' " 

And after speaking of severer measures, which 
might be found necessary for giving him permanent 
relief, he adds : — 

" But in all I desire to lie, as clay in the hand of the potter, 
under the will of my Heavenly Master. I have no temptation, 
indeed, to withdraw myself from His care, for I must bear tes- 
timony that, as my sufferings abound, so my consolation also 
aboundeth by Christ." 

He was strongly urged by his medical adviser to 
seek for more repose of mind than he was in the habit 
of allowing himself. He accordingly attempted to 
free himself of the care and responsibility of the 
"Register," though without effect, as he eventually 
retained it in his own hands till within three years of 
his death. 

He felt, however, compelled to resign the Lecture- 
ship at St. Mary Woolnoth's, which he had held since 
1804. This he did in February, 1831, after having 
been prevented from occupying the pulpit for nine 
months. It was a grief to him to resign a duty in 
which he had been so long blessed, and which formed 
an interesting link of remembrance between himself 

t 2 



276 



THOUGHTS ON A MELANCHOLY EVENT. [Chap. XV. 



and the venerable John Newton, whose curate (it will 
be remembered) he had formerly been. But the hand 
of God clearly pointed out his path. It was one very 
happy indication of the Divine goodness to him, that 
there was always some significant providential event 
which marked the time when he was to abandon his 
various posts of labour, as life advanced. 

In the autumn of 1831, he again visited Ramsgate 
with his family. During his stay there a melancholy 
occurrence took place, which furnished one of those 
opportunities of doing good, of which he was ever 
ready to avail himself. A young man in the full 
vigour of health, while bathing on the shore, was 
carried out to sea by a strong current, which he was 
unable to stem ; and he sank in sight of a multitude of 
spectators, who stood on the pier melancholy witnesses 
of the ineffectual attempts which were made to rescue 
him. On the day of the occurrence Mr* Pratt drew 
up and printed the following paper, and circulated it 
extensively throughout Ramsgate, in the hope of im- 
proving the sad event to some of his fellow-visitors : — 

" Thoughts on the Melancholy Event which took place at 

Ramsgate on Monday, the 22nd of August, 1831. 
6e One of the visitors at Ramsgate, who had the pain to 
witness, this morning, the fruitless efforts to rescue one of his 
fellow-visitors from a watery grave, feels constrained to make 
a few remarks on this melancholy event ; in the hope that they 
may, with the blessing of God, lead those who read them to a 
right improvement of this painful occurrence. It is many years 
since any visitor at Ramsgate met death in this sudden and awful 
manner ; and, as such an occurrence could not take place without 
the appointment of Him who numbers the very hairs of our 



1S31.] 



THOUGHTS ON A MELANCHOLY EVENT. 



277 



head, and without whom not even a sparrow falls to the ground, 
it becomes all who witnessed or hear of it, to lay it to heart. 

" A fine young man, in the vigour of health and years, the joy 
and hope of his parents, went into the sea, from one of the 
bathing machines, this morning. Having gone too far in a 
heavy surf, he became distressed, and made signs for help. Two 
bold men, excellent swimmers, rushed into the sea, one of whom 
reached him, but was unable to bear him to shore against the 
reflux of the tide : the two men were themselves in danger, 
but were rescued by the life-boat. In a few minutes, perhaps 
not more than eight or ten, from his entering the water, the 
sufferer was lost beyond recovery. 

" It has been to the writer of this paper a melancholy sight 
this morning, to witness groups of his fellow-visitors wandering 
on the beach, and casting wishful eyes on the wide waters which 
had carried away the body of one so lately alive and vigorous 
like themselves. He joined one after another of these groups, 
and wished to throw in a word of Christian counsel ; but 
thought that he might perhaps, with the blessing of God, make 
a more general and permanent improvement of the event by 
adopting the present method. 

" When the two men were buffeting the waves, and striving 
to save their drowning fellow-creature, with what deep interest 
did we who beheld the conflict look on ! And when the life- 
boat delivered these men from the danger which they were en- 
countering, but left the object of their efforts in the deep, how 
sad and awful was the feeling which came over our spirits ! 

" But is there not a Voice in this event which all should 
hear ? The agonies of death which the sufferer endured were 
but for a moment. If he were one of those who, through the 
grace of God, lived in habitual preparation for death, his immor- 
tal spirit has entered on its state of everlasting felicity ; and the 
loud and affecting call of such an event is, ( Be ye also ready," 1 

" Few, very few, do in reality live in this habitual preparation 
for death. Though ever on the brink of eternity, and liable 
to be called at a moment's warning to the bar of their Righ- 



273 



THOUGHTS ON A MELANCHOLY EVENT. [Chap. XV. 



teous Judge, yet it is but here and there one who seriously asks, 
' What must I do to be saved ? ' 

" But has not the scene of this morning proclaimed to us most 
feelingly the value of the immortal soul ? The cry of distress 
was heard — the hand raised above the wave pleaded for instant 
rescue — bold men dashed through the surge — the shore echoed 
with shouts for the life-boat — in a few instants it was on the 
spot. What ! are the uncertain years of human life of such 
value ? Are the strongest sympathies of our nature roused for 
the rescue of the body of a fellow-creature from untimely death? 
What, then, is the value of that soul which never dies ? What 
wise and thoughtful man will not seek, above all things, the 
salvation of his soul 1 

" Nor need any one who seeks this salvation fear that he 
shall perish. The efforts to save the drowning body from 
death were fruitless ; and we heard the mournful declaration 
over it, when it had been found, and after all means had been 
tried for its re-animation, ' We can do nothing more !' But no 
such fatal issue can attend the prompt and vigilant use of the 
means which God has in infinite pity appointed for the salva- 
tion of the soul. No one can cry for mercy, with an awakened 
and penitent heart, but he shall find mercy ! No one can 
stretch forth the suppliant hand, but he shall be delivered from 
the overwhelming waves ! ' For God so loved the world, that 
He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
Him should not perish but have everlasting life.' ' Seek,' then, 
( the Lord while He may be found ; call ye upon Him while He 
is near : let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous 
man his thoughts : and let him return unto the Lord, and He 
will have mercy upon him ; and to our God, for He will 
abundantly pardon.' 

" Ramsgate, Monday, August 22, 1831." 

How far this seasonable attempt was blessed, is 
known only to the Searcher of hearts ; but it will be 
revealed in " the last day." 



CHAPTER XVI. 

1829—1834. 

THE STATE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS DISSENSIONS IN THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN 

BIBLE SOCIETY MR. PRATt's VIEWS ON THAT SUBJECT THE CHOLERA 

THE FAST DAY THE REFORM BILL — REFORMS IN THE CHURCH — 

THE CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE SOCIETY THE DISSENTERS — RISE OF TRAC- 

TARIANISM REV. DANIEL WILSON APPOINTED BISHOP OF CALCUTTA — 

CITY-OF-LONDON SCHOOL — LETTERS OF ADVICE, AND SYMPATHY WITH 
AFFLICTED FRIENDS. 

Mr. Pratt was an attentive and accurate observer of 
the times : and he anxiously watched the course of 
events, not only from a feeling of genuine patriotism, 
but with a view of marking the steps of Divine Pro- 
vidence in bringing about the spread of the Gospel 
throughout the world. The " Introductory Remarks " 
at the beginning of the successive volumes of the 
" Missionary Register," give a succinct and intelligent 
view of the leading questions of the day, as bearing 
upon this great subject. - 

At no time since the establishment of peace had 
public affairs presented so threatening an aspect as in 
1829, and the years which immediately followed. 
Momentous events in the political world seemed to be 
shaking our country and its constitution to the very 
base : while discontent and dissatisfaction with long- 
established principles, were endangering the useful- 
ness, if not the existence, of some of our best religious 
Institutions. 



280 



PUBLIC AFFAIRS. 



[Chap. XVI. 



The first of these events was the Roman-Catholic 
Relief Bill of 1829. Mr. Pratt voted against this 
measure, in the exercise of his right as a member of 
the Convocation of the University of Oxford. He 
regarded it as a most dangerous encroachment of the 
Papal power on our Protestant constitution, the effects 
of which he foresaw might become of the most disas- 
trous character. Then followed the year 1830, memo- 
rable for the spirit of restless activity, of change, and 
of insubordination, which was spreading both at home 
and abroad. 

" The events of the past year," he writes at its close, " are 
most awakening. The pangs and throes of the Old World are 
fast coming on. Dark and ominous clouds have been blowing 
up from every quarter ; the moral atmosphere is surcharged 
with mischief, and society itself seems ready to heave from its 
foundations. The conquest of Algiers by the French — the 
attempt to rivet on France the chains of Popish despotism by 
the eclat of that conquest — the Revolution to which that 
attempt gave occasion, and by which Popery ceased to be the 
Established Religion of France *, and the way opened for the 
more free promulgation of pure Christianity — the Revolutions 
of Belgium and Poland — the tumults and commotions in other 
parts of the Continent and in our own country ; and which 
appear, in too many instances, to be the heavings and convul- 
sions of wild and disorganizing principles, that call to mind the 
alleged designs of the Jacobins and Illuminati of a former day 



* According to the terms of the New Charter, the Ministers of the 
Roman- Catholic Religion (which was professed by the majority of French- 
men), together with those of other Christian bodies, were to be supported 
at the public expense. This put all Christian denominations, including 
Popery, on the same footing. 



1830.] 



THE EPISTLE OF OUR DAY. 



281 



— these events have made the hearts of many to fail them for 
fear and looking after those things which are coming on the 
earth." * * * * " In the various duties," he adds, " to which 
the exigency of the present time calls us, the simplest Chris- 
tian precepts should often be resorted to for counsel and direc- 
tion. If there be any one entire portion of the Word of God 
which, more than another, might be pointed out as peculiarly 
adapted to our circumstances — one which might not unaptly 
be entitled the Epistle of our Day — it would perhaps be the 
Epistle of St. James ; written by one who had surveyed the 
origin, progress, persecutions, and varying character of the 
Church from its commencement, through a whole generation — 
written after an experience of this long and diversified period, 
spent chiefly in the metropolis of the Christendom of that age 
— written, moreover, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. 
Hence those frequent and striking allusions to the laxities of 
professed believers ; and the solemn and authoritative precepts 
relative to the management of the tongue, the temper, the time, 
and the purse ; in short, of all the several talents entrusted to 
Christians. A treasure, indeed, is this Epistle ! and it will be 
found to be so, more and more, should God, in His infinite 
wisdom, permit our Church and our country to fall further 
than they have already fallen into divers temptations. Then, 
' Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath ; 
for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.' 
Not by our controversies, but by our meekness and patience — 
not by our many-coloured faith, but by our works, proceeding 
from that well-defined faith of Scripture, faith that worketh by 
love — will the cause of our Redeemer be truly and largely pro- 
moted in this nation and in the world. In these things God 
delights ; to this spirit He will grant, of His free grace, the 
special outpouring of His holy influences : if such be the 
temper and conduct of His professing people, He will, by the 
terrible power of His own right hand, get to Himself the 
victory over all His and their spiritual enemies ; and ' in His 



282 



PUBLIC AFFAIRS. 



[Chap. XVI. 



majesty ride prosperously, because of truth, and meekness, and 
righteousness' " 

A year later he writes :— 

" The state of public affairs has continued to be progres- 
sively portentous throughout the year. The minds of men are 
rapidly loosening from that deference to authority, and even 
from that feeling of mutual dependence, which are the nerves 
and sinews of the social state. 

" The professedly religious world has caught the infection. 
The spiritual foe fearfully succeeds in alienating from one 
another the minds of multitudes." 

And then on looking back to his recollections of the 
rise of many of the Institutions which were now 
threatened with division, he adds : — 

" It was a season of comparative peace and charity, when it 
was but a day of small things. In those wintry times, a little 
genial warmth now and then boded approaching spring, but it 
came on reluctant and slow. The men of those times wrapped 
their cloaks round them, and fostered the little warmth within by 
nestling together as they had opportunity, still looking up for 
brighter days. Those days have opened upon us, and the sun 
has been advancing toward its full life-giving power. But 
there have been many cloudy and dark days, and wearisome 
nights of watching and fear ; and dangers and difficulties vary 
and augment as the times of splendour and glory draw near. 
The prince of the power of the air gave us but little disturbance 
in the winter of our torpid sloth; but as the seasons have 
advanced, and our activity has increased, his subtle and malig- 
nant activity has increased too. And great and fearful power 
is permitted to him ; chiefly, however, hitherto, to kindle 
around us treacherous lights by night, and darkening fogs and 
noxious exhalations by day. For he is ever the destroyer : he 
will be content to destroy by deceiving, if he is restrained for 



1831.] 



DISSENSIONS IN THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



283 



a season from glutting his cruelty by the sufferings of the 
servants of God ; and where he is not permitted to beguile to 
final ruin, he will be content to harass the mind, and break 
the peace of the Church, and retard spiritual prosperity by his 
plausible delusions." 

One of the most threatening events here alluded to 
was, a violent dissension which occurred at the Annual 
Public Meeting of the British and Foreign Bible 
Society in 1831, on the part of some who had hitherto 
been among the admirers and supporters of that noble 
Institution. Two charges were brought forward: — 
there was no rule of the Society, it was said, for the 
exclusion of persons who deny the Doctrines of the 
Trinity and the Atonement ; and its public meetings 
were conducted without prayer. These objections, 
having reference to such fundamental points in the 
Christian's belief and practice, were likely to entangle 
many simple-minded persons, who were not able to 
see the bearings of the question in all its amplitude. 

The following letter conveys Mr. Pratt's views on 
these subjects : it was written during an early stage 
of the discussions; indeed previously to their being 
made public. The letter affords an excellent speci- 
men of the comprehensiveness of mind which he 
possessed, for meeting these difficult cases : and it is 
also specially interesting as coming from the pen of 
one, who was so much concerned in the establishment 
of the Society. It is dated — 

" Finsbury Circus, Oct. 28, 1830. 
" To the Rev. Thomas Clowes. 
" The shortest way of giving you my views of the questions 
lately started relative to the Bible Society will be, to dictate to 



284 



LETTER ON THE DISSENSIONS 



[Chap. XVI. 



Josiah, as I suffer much uneasiness and weakness in my eye, 
though I desire to be thankful that I am so far recovered as I 
am. I have, in fact, to add little on the questions to what you 
yourself state, as I seem to coincide with you in your views. 

" The two questions, relative to Prayer and Socinians, require, 
in order to their just determination, an enlarged view of the 
nature and objects of the Society. It is very easy to declaim 
upon topics so near to the heart of a Christian, as those which 
are connected with the honour and glory of our Heavenly 
Master; and it is not to be wondered at, therefore, that many 
crude notions are put forth on the subject by young writers, 
who advert neither to the nature of the Society nor to the sin- 
gular blessing which has rested upon it. It is true, the bless- 
ing of God on an Institution does not imply that it is perfect ; 
but it ought, in such a case as this, to silence such idle clamours 
against the Society as even grave men in the North are wont 
to utter. 

"And first, as to prayer, the case of the Society is peculiar. 
Most of those who write or speak on the subject seem to advert, 
almost exclusively, to the objections of the Society of Friends 
against unity in set prayer. But there is another and perhaps 
greater difficulty in the way of such prayer. The great body 
of Dissenters would not acquiesce in any form of prayer ; and 
it is obvious that if extempore prayer were to be adopted, in- 
calculable evils might arise from the impracticability of always 
conducting the service acceptably before God and man. I will 
undertake to say, that the blessed company of men who were 
honoured in forming the Society, laid its foundations in fervent 
and unwearied prayer; and that they acted with piety and 
wisdom in leaving a Society formed under such peculiar circum- 
stances, without the restraints of a rule which must have embar- 
rassed its proceedings. They meant, and all their proceedings 
indicate that they meant, that the Society should be conducted 
in entire dependence on God and to His glory ; and if the 
members of any Committee have habitually attended their duty 



1830.] 



IN THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



285 



in the spirit of prayer and with the prayer of the heart, it will 
be found that this character has attached, in a distinguished 
degree, to the successive Committees of the Bible Society. I 
have myself witnessed the settlement of long-agitated questions, 
after much excitement had been felt, in a manner and spirit 
which I could ascribe to nothing but a gracious answer to 
prayer. I hope the Parent Society will never enact any Rule 
on the subject; and if any Local Society should find itself in 
circumstances which enable it to adopt the practice, yet I shall 
regret to see such practice enjoined in any Rules, as has been 
in some instances already done. 

" As to the admission of Socinians into the Society, it is 
obvious to those who think justly on the subject, that restric- 
tions of any kind on the admission of subscribers (other than 
those which the nature of the case requires) are incompatible 
with the first principle on which the Society is formed. What- 
ever money is given, must be appropriated exclusively to the 
circulation of the Holy Scriptures without note or comment ; 
and, so far as English is concerned, to the circulation of the 
Authorised Version. If a Jew, Turk, or Infidel, will give 
money to such an object, there is no dereliction of principle in 
receiving such money ; or if a soi-disant Christian, who yet, 
either in word or in fact, denies the inspiration of the doctrines 
of the Scriptures, will still give his money to circulate them, 
the inconsistency lies with himself. If we really believe that 
the Scriptures are divinely inspired, and speak a language 
totally different from that of these men, we may wonder that 
they will help to inculcate such Scriptures, but should surely 
rejoice that they contribute to disperse an effectual antidote to 
their own poison. 

" The admission of Socinians to any share in the management 
of the Bible Society is another question, and perhaps cannot 
be settled by any defined rule. In fact, the question takes a 
wider range. The Society, and many other similar bodies, in 
the struggles of their infancy and childhood, did certainly look 



286 



THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 



[Chap. XVI. 



with eagerness for the support of persons of rank and influence ; 
and the members hailed the accession of such persons, not, as 
has been uncharitably insinuated, from the mere eclat which 
they gave to the Society, but from the genuine and honest 
belief that the cause would be promoted thereby. We have all, 
however, I think, gone too far on this subject; and we are 
come to a better mind : we have found the support of such 
persons flickering and hollow; but very highly esteem the 
support of rank and influence, when it is given upon principle. 

" To apply this to the case of the Socinians. Ifamanof 
bad moral character offered his money I would take it ; but I 
would use every endeavour to prevent his taking a share in the 
management : but if a man of good moral character was desirous 
of assisting the Society, I would not only take his money, but 
would accept his services, if circumstances did not render this 
improper. Now what are the circumstances which would 
render it so ? This question must be answered on a larger scale 
than with reference to Socinians only : there are many, even of 
our own Church, who have no more cordial belief of the plenary 
inspiration of the Scriptures than the Socinians have : and there 
are many also of our own body, who as effectually exclude the 
only ground for a sinner's dependence as the Socinians do. But if 
men of this description are willing to act with me, in circulating 
those Scriptures which expose their fatal errors, I can see no 
reason in this case for not acting with them, provided they 
will fulfil the duties of a member of the Society, and confine 
themselves to those duties. If in any way they broach, insi- 
nuate, or propagate, as members of the Society, their erroneous 
views, I would cease to act with them : but acting with them 
under these restrictions would not lay me under any guilt, I 
conceive, in the sight of God. The object of the Bible Society, 
considered simply as the circulation of the Scriptures, is not a 
religious object, i.e. it is not an object in which sentiments are 
called in question. On this ground we can as freely unite 
with persons of different sentiments, in giving the closed and 



1832.] 



THE CHOLERA. 



287 



uncommented volume, as we can in conducting the concerns of 
a hospital or dispensary. Yet, so far as liberty of choice can 
be obtained, we should naturally select for our associates those 
who accord most nearly with us in our views." 

This contention, as is well known, passed without 
any other effect than the establishment of a new So- 
ciety by the small body of dissentients : the old Insti- 
tution, endeared more than ever to her best friends by 
the triumphant manner in which she has weathered 
this and other storms, proceeds prosperously in her 
career, blessing and being blessed. 

Towards the close of the year 1831, that awful 
scourge, the Asiatic cholera, reached England ; and 
so great was the apprehension which this visitation 
spread through the country, that in the following 
March a day of national humiliation before God was 
appointed. The friends of religion were rejoiced at 
this token for good in our national counsels. The 
spirit of incendiarism, which had led to the reckless 
destruction of the precious fruits of the earth; the 
general political excitement, especially on the sub- 
ject of a Reform of the House of Commons, and the 
grievous animosities which arose from it; the wide- 
spread prevalence of infidelity and profaneness, and 
the public neglect of God, were features of the times 
so awful, that they seemed to be hurrying us on to 
national ruin. The appointment of a Fast Day was 
a symptom calculated to raise the drooping hopes of 
those who feared God in this awful crisis, and they 
were glad to avail themselves of such a season of 



288 



THE CHOLERA. 



[Chap. XVI. 



deep humiliation for the many sins and provocations, 
by which God had been so grievously dishonoured. 

" We are specially called, in these days," writes Mr. Pratt to 
his son at College in 1832, "to sit loose to the earth and all 
its little concerns, for we know not what a day may bring forth 
in our public affairs, and in the visitations of God's hand upon 
our country. I gather hope from the seeming piety with which 
the day of humiliation was observed ; for though there was a 
degree of impious scoffing at the solemnity [in the House of 
Commons] such as I never remember on any similar occasion, 
there was, on the other hand, more apparent piety than I ever 
saw. So it is, while the enemy comes in like a flood, the 
Spirit of God lifts up a standard against him. If our faith 
and hope be strong in the Lord, we shall see the working of 
His mighty Hand in spiritual blessings, however severe may 
be the chastisements which our sins may bring upon us. May 
He draw us all nearer to Himself, and enable us to walk with 
Him in faith and holy obedience to His will ! " 

In August he writes from Great Yarmouth to his 
younger son, at Cambridge : — 

" I had great doubts as to being able to come here, as it 
pleased God to carry off four of my parishioners by cholera 
the week before last: none, however, of these fearful cases 
occurring since, I thought it not necessary to continue at home. 
We are in uncertainty as to the real extent of this renewal of 
the disease in London, from the secrecy which has generally 
been observed on the subject, in order to prevent Foreign States 
from renewing against us their quarantine regulations, which 
have been injurious to our commerce. This uncertainty has 
occasioned, I believe, much exaggeration in reports ; yet I 
have no doubt many have died, and more in proportion to the 
number of persons attacked, than were carried off when the 
disease first invaded us [early in the year]. 



1832.] 



THE IRISH CHURCH. 



289 



" In fact, this seems to be another disease added to those 
which before visited the earth ; at least, one which has taken 
a new and aggravated form. It forms one of those Signs of 
the Times which have of late years multiplied upon us, to 
rouse the attention of a wicked world to the government and 
authority of Him whom it neglects and despises. But what 
we specially want, with all the judgments and mercies of God, 
is an abundant outpouring of the influence of the Holy Spirit 
on sinners for their conversion, and on believers for their 
greater sanctification. We must expect more of this influence 
than we habitually do, and must pray for it more earnestly and 
perseveringly ; and must be on the watch against those habits 
of mind and course of conduct, which are unsuitable to such 
expectations and desires, and tend to grieve and repel the Holy 
Spirit rather than to invite His sacred influences. God is 
working mightily, in His Providence, over our own and other 
nations. He is moulding and fashioning them to His own 
purposes, though very few of the rulers and lawgivers of the 
earth have any concern to do His will and glorify His name. 
Were it not that we can repose in faith upon His mercy and 
power, the ploughing up of society, which has fearfully begun 
in Ireland, and threatens our own Church in this country, 
might well confound us. Infatuation prevented the making of 
such arrangements for the Irish Church, in good time, as would 
have secured its real interests ; and now it is utterly impossible 
to do that for her, which would have been readily acceded to 
twelve months ago. The same course of infatuation is pur- 
suing, I fear, as to our own Church: if its real evils were 
promptly redressed, it would stand firm in its strength ; but 
while nothing effectual is done to remove its blemishes, the 
sappers are at work at the foundation, and twelve months will 
put it out of our power to prevent the venerable old building 
from tottering to its basis. 

" These things should drive us to a closer walk with God. 
Commit yourself, my dear John, to your Heavenly Master as 

u 



290 



THE REFORM BILL. 



[Chap. XVI. 



to your future life. Do the best that you now can to improve 
your opportunities. We are all, through Divine mercy, well." 

During this year the celebrated "Reform Bill," 
after a long and arduous struggle, became the law of 
the land. It was the tendencies and effects of the 
agitation of this question which Mr. Pratt most feared. 
Like many others of the same moderate views, he 
looked for good from the operation of the Bill itself. 

" If it shall please God," he writes, after the passing of the 
Bill, " to give us of this land a right mind, the way is now 
open before us to remove from our Institutions, with calmness 
and quiet, whatever ought to be removed, and to retain with a 
firm hand whatever ought to be retained." 

But, fully alive to the imminent perils through 
which our country had been brought whilst the 
measure was pending, he writes at the same time : — 

" In the progress of this change there were critical moments, 
when the lifting of a finger might have deluged the kingdom 
in blood ; but all was conducted, by the over-ruling hand of 
God, to a peaceful end. * * * To the prayers of the servants 
of God among us we may well ascribe the mercy which has been 
shewn to us : if the nation shall be piloted safely through the 
dangers — on the one hand, of infatuated adhesion to that which 
is confessedly evil ; and, on the other, of reckless destruction — 
we must attribute its wisdom and its safety to the same cause." 

In February, 1833, the first Reformed Parliament 
assembled, and measures of " Reform in the Church" 
were speedily proposed. That wild and reckless 
desire for change, which the recent discussions had 
tended to foster, now marshalled itself in fearful 
array against the Ecclesiastical Establishment. But 



1833.] 



REFORM IN THE CHURCH. 



291 



the measures brought forward were, in their general 
character, such as to disappoint this extravagant 
desire, and even to commend themselves to many 
who, like Mr. Pratt, regarded the Church as essen- 
tial to the well-being of the State, and at the same 
time were anxious to see such prudent reforms carried 
into effect, as would remove abuses and increase the 
Church's efficiency. To a friend in India he thus 
writes, April 9, 1834 : — 

" We certainly see reforms in progress beyond our most 
sanguine hopes : the quiet efforts which we were making in the 
Christian Influence Society to procure some modification in 
respect of Pluralities and Non-residence, are all rendered use- 
less by decisive and comprehensive measures, which it is 
generally understood will be speedily proposed. It is to be 
expected that self-interest, and even honest and disinterested 
but long-cherished opinions, will have much to object to what 
will be proposed ; and we hear, and shall still hear, that all 
things are in ruins : but if it shall please God to increase among 
us a spirit of prayer and holiness of life, and devotedness to 
Christ and to the salvation of souls, I have no fear but that 
any loss which our Church may suffer in its outward appur- 
tenances of dignity and riches, will be abundantly compensated 
in spiritual blessings." 

The Society to which allusion is here made, con- 
sisted of a body of persons of like mind with himself 
on these questions. He used often to lament, that oppor- 
tunities for doing good or opposing evil were lost for 
want of watchfulness, promptitude, and co-operation at 
particular junctures ; and he thought that if a select 
body of wise and zealous Christian men, seeking no 
party object, were to form themselves into an Associa- 

u 2 



292 



CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE SOCIETY. 



[Chap. XVI. 



tion to supply this deficiency , much benefit would accrue 
from their exertions. Under this idea, he united with 
a few friends, in the year 1831, in forming the Society 
which he mentions by name in the letter just quoted, and 
which was to be neither a private board, nor to court 
unnecessary publicity, but to do its work patiently, 
unostentatiously, and in faith, prayer, and perseverance. 

But the above measures moved on slowly amidst the 
theological, ecclesiastical, and political feuds, which 
were overwhelming the nation. 

There were two opposite factions which resisted 
the adoption of the moderate changes and improve- 
ments, which His Majesty's Ministers were beginning 
to introduce. 

On the one hand were ranged a new and active 
sect, composed chiefly of Dissenters who agreed with 
the Church of England in her leading doctrinal tenets, 
but avowed themselves enemies to her as an Esta- 
blishment, and strangely combined, as they have since 
done, with Infidels, Socinians, and Papists, to attempt 
the entire disruption of Church and State. 

" The Dissenters are suffering," continues Mr. Pratt, " as a 
religious body, irrecoverable injury, from having submitted them- 
selves to the guidance of a few ambitious men among them. It is 
now no longer dissent for conscience' sake, with thankfulness for 
the quiet enjoyment of the privilege of worshipping and preaching 
according to their own judgment; but it is a claim to be placed on 
an equal footing with the Church, and to have the Church sepa- 
rated from the State, and the Voluntary System adopted in its 
stead. Appeals on both sides are made to the state of America, 
and high boastings are made on the part of Dissenters of their 
numbers and strength in this country. The Methodists have 



1834.] 



THE DISSENTERS. 



293 



just given a severe blow to these boastings, by avowing, in the 
last Magazines, that they have no common feeling with these 
Dissenters in reference to the Church, but that they heartily 
wish and pray for its permanence and its purification : nor 
will the case of America yield more support to the opponents, 
as the Bishop of London shews in the Appendix to two Ser- 
mons lately published. " 

On the other hand stood the party who were 
opposed to all change whatever, especially at what was 
justly considered so eventful a crisis of agitation and 
excitement. The very vehemence and importunity of 
those who called for the disruption of Church and State, 
strengthened their determination to resist all reform ; 
and the re-action was such as to awaken the fears 
and forebodings of wise and moderate Churchmen. 

" Our beloved Church," Mr. Pratt continues, " is in the fur- 
nace. If those who, at present, can control the fire would 
apply a steady and moderate heat, the dross alone would 
perish, and the metal would come forth resplendent: but I 
fear that this wisdom is lacking ; and that the want of it will 
open access to rude hands, which will heap up fuel till much 
more than the dross will be destroyed. To drop all figure, 
our efficiency, and even safety, do, under God, depend, in my 
judgment, on the maintenance of the present [the Grey] 
Ministry in power. In regard to religious principles, the 
balance may, perhaps, be in their favour ; but as to measures, 
a sufficient reformation of the Church will never be effected by 
the opposing body, and can be looked for from those only who 
are in power : whereas, should these be displaced by their 
opponents, the inefficiency of that body will soon open the 
floodgates to a tide, the violence of which the present Ministry, 
and those who think with them, would then, perhaps, have no 
power to moderate and manage." 



294 



RISE OF THE TRACTARIAN PARTY. [Chap. XVI. 



It was at this crisis that a third party sprung up in 
the bosom of the Church, on some points in unison 
with their Tory allies, but holding new and more dan- 
gerous principles. Their secret leanings to Popery 
itself were soon detected, as the successive numbers 
of the " Tracts for the Times/' their acknowledged 
organ, issued from the press. Mr. Pratt was one of 
those who detected from the first the deep-laid mis- 
chief of the whole system, both in its doctrinal and 
ritual, as well as its political, errors : and he traced it, 
as we shall have occasion to shew, through all the 
stages of its development, with a mind full of appre- 
hension for the safety of our beloved Church : he was 
convinced that, under this baneful influence, it was in 
most imminent peril, not merely of being crippled in 
its external efficiency, but of being deeply poisoned 
in its principles and faith. 

But God has hitherto mercifully preserved us. 
Many champions of the truth have been raised up 
u earnestly to contend for the faith which was once 
delivered to the saints ;" and one more has been 
added to the many exemplifications of the promise 
already referred to, that "when the enemy cometh 
in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up 
a standard against him." It was to one of these 
honoured servants of the Gospel, that the letter last 
quoted was addressed : and it has been only to pre- 
vent interrupting the above brief notice of these mo- 
mentous times, which so deeply engaged the thoughts 
and prayers of Mr. Pratt, that we have not mentioned 
the circumstance which took that friend to the East. 



1831.] 



DEATH OF BISHOP TURNER. 



295 



In December, 1831, the melancholy tidings reached 
England, of the death of the fourth Bishop of Calcutta. 
Within the brief interval of nine years had four suc- 
cessive prelates fallen victims to the climate.* Under 
these circumstances, none but a man actuated by a 
high sense of duty was fit to encounter the peril of 
engaging in such a service ; — a man ready to go forth 
at his Masters call, though with the sentence of death, 
as it were, upon him. 

The appointment fell on one who did not shrink 
from the arduous undertaking, and who, by his abun- 
dant labours, extending through a period considerably 
exceeding the accumulated years which his four pre- 
decessors lived in the country, has fully realized, 
through the goodness and grace of God, the high 
expectations which were formed on his elevation to 
the See. 

The following letter marks the great interest which 
Mr. Pratt took in the appointment of his long-tried 
friend to this responsible post, and also his deep 
anxiety that no precaution should be neglected for the 
preservation of his valuable life. He rejoiced to see 
one going forth to preside over the infant Church in 
India, who had, from the beginning, been so well 
acquainted with the Missionary operations of our 
Societies in the East, and who had himself taken no 
small share in promoting the same cause at home. 



* Bishop Middleton died July 8, 1822; 
1826 ; Bishop James died August 22, 1828 ; 
1831. 



Bishop Heber died April 3, 
Bishop Turner died July 7, 



296 



THE REV. DANIEL WILSON 



[Chap. XVI. 



" Finsbury Circus, March 30, 1832. 

" MY DEAR FRIEND — 

" I was prepared, by what had passed between us on the sub- 
ject, for your acceptance of the appointment to Calcutta, on its 
being officially brought before you. You have accepted the 
office, I am fully persuaded, under a deep persuasion of its 
being your duty to do so, and with no small sacrifice of per- 
sonal feelings, and of social and pastoral comforts. Men of 
mere secular ambition may smile at this notion of sacrifice ; 
for with them dignity, and power, and influence, and a name, 
outweigh other considerations. Our own treacherous hearts, 
indeed, are ever looking askance at these objects ; but this is 
the burden of the sincere and devout spirit: and your friends 
cannot render you a service which you will more highly esteem, 
I am sure, than aiding you in this conflict by their prayers. 
You have often had my prayers in your arduous labours at 
Islington ; and will hereafter engage a larger share, I do not 
say in my Christian love, but in my intercessions for the 
builders of God's spiritual temple. You are now about to 
enter the ranks of those who jeopard their lives unto the 
death in the high places of the field.' The fifth Bishop of 
Calcutta in eighteen years ! * This gives, my dear friend, a 
very short average of labour ; and you go out under circum- 
stances of age and temperament, which will expose you more to 
the debilitating influence of the climate, under weighty, and 
complicated, and numerous demands on the mind and body, 
than a younger and more phlegmatic man would be. It is 
happy for you that the ground has been broken up before you, 
and the plan laid, and some progress made, under the varied 
yet concurring judgments of your four predecessors, aided by 
the calm and experienced mind of Archdeacon Corrie ; and it 
relieves me of much anxiety on your account that such a man, 



* Bishop Middleton's Letters Patent were dated May 2, 1814. 



1832.] APPOINTED TO THE SEE OF CALCUTTA. 297 

if it shall please God to spare his health, will still be at the 
Bishop's side, and act as your f eye,' not only in the matters 
which may concern your dealings with the Court in Fort 
William, but in those distant and multifarious objects which 
require his long and clear-sighted vision. In some sense it 
may be your motto, ( My strength is to sit still !' — I mean, 
directing the action of the machine already constructed, cor- 
recting any defective working, strengthening its parts, and 
enlarging its powers, rather than aiming at any change of 
structure, or any new principle of action. * * * 

" But I have run out much further than I intended ; though 
I confess myself anxious, and therefore I speak with the free- 
dom of old friendship, that you should spare yourself that you 
may wear long. Then, though I may not live to hail you on 
your return, multitudes of friends will receive you with joy, 
after some ten years' campaign, should it please our Heavenly 
Master to spare you to come and close your labours in your 
native land and among your own people. To His grace and 
mercy I heartily commend you, and am ever, my dear friend, 

" Most affectionately yours, 

" Josiah Pratt. 

" My wife and children all specially unite with me in Christian 
congratulations and prayers, and beg you to appoint some early 
day to pay us a last visit." 

The allusion to his not himself living to witness 
the joy, with which the Bishop's return would be 
greeted by his friends, was most affectingly realized, 
as will be seen in the sequel. The Bishop embarked 
on the 19th of June, 1832, and four days previously 
Mr. Pratt and his family paid him a farewell visit. 
This departure of one, to whom he had been so long 
attached in personal and brotherly intercourse, created 
a new tie to the East, where he had already many 



298 BISHOP WILSON EMBARKS. [Chap. XVI. 



friends, and where the labours of the Church Missio- 
nary Society had long had a large share in his warmest 
affections and his earnest prayers. He traced the 
Bishop in all his journeyings through his immense 
diocese, and always took a very lively interest in his 
plans. 

After ceasing to be officially connected with the 
Church Missionary Society, his time was engrossed in 
the care of his parish, and in the preparation of the 
" Missionary Register." There were occasional ex- 
ceptions, indeed, when the importance of the case 
seemed to claim a deviation from the beaten path. 
One instance, in particular, occurs to memory. 

His position as a City Incumbent led him to take 
a lively interest in the establishment of the City-of- 
London School, founded by the Corporation in 1834, 
on the basis of an ancient endowment left by John 
Carpenter, Town Clerk of London in the reign of 
Henry VI., at the suggestion and through the zealous 
exertions of Mr. W. S. Hale, one of Mr. Pratt's 
parochial friends and supporters already alluded to. 
Mr. Hale requested his Pastor's advice on this occa- 
sion: nor did his Pastor refuse. He felt it was an 
important opportunity for giving to the sons of the 
citizens a course of education which should combine 
the knowledge of true religion with sound and useful 
learning, and involving less expense than was ordi- 
narily incurred. But he felt that " the education 
pursued in the Public Grammar Schools of this 
country is not that which is best fitted for those who 
are to spend their lives in the active pursuit of trade 



1834.] 



THE CITY-OF-LONDON SCHOOL. 



299 



and commerce. While the attainment of general 
knowledge is rather left in those seminaries to be 
grafted afterward on the classical education there 
given, it is conceived that the proper course in the 
Corporation School would be to give a prominent 
place to that general knowledge which will best fit 
citizens to occupy their stations in society with intelli- 
gence ; but to associate with this such a competent 
acquaintance with the classics, as may both form their 
taste in matters of literature, and may qualify them to 
enter on a College course, if any of them should be so 
minded." 

With that constructive talent for which he was 
remarkable, he drew out a paper of suggestions for the 
proposed School, recommending, inter alia, that the 
Holy Bible, according to the Authorised Version, 
should be daily used and taught in the School ; and 
that no persons should be eligible to the two Senior 
Masterships without the certificate of three Professors 
of King's College, London, and three Professors of the 
London University. An Act of Parliament was ob- 
tained, embodying these principles, and the School is 
now giving an excellent education to 600 boys, with 
prizes and fifteen scholarships to the Universities.* 

* It is an interesting coincidence, noticed by Mr. Anderson in liis 
" Annals of the English Bible/' that this School stands on the site of the 
ancient Church of All Hallows, Honey Lane; the Curate of which, Thomas 
Garrard, was one of the first to suffer persecution for the circulation of 
Tyndale's English Testament a.d. 1528, and afterwards, when Rector of 
the same Church, brought to the stake in the same quarrel a.d. 1541. 
(See Foxes "Acts and Monuments," Seeleys' Edition, London, 1848, 
Vol. V. pp. 421-438.) 



300 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XVI. 



He found but little time for general correspondence. 
His letters, during the latter part of his life, were 
either addressed to relatives or friends when in afflic- 
tion, or were such as contained some special advice 
under the trying circumstances of the times. The 
following is of the latter class : it was addressed to a 
person who had consulted him on a case of conscience. 
It appears that the spirit of rivalry was so great in 
the line of trade in which the person consulting him 
was engaged, that it was becoming nearly impossible 
for an honest tradesman to determine " a particular 
price for a particular article ; " so that when his 
traveller went his round for orders he found that 
others had preceded him, and, by underbidding, 
obliged him to lower his own prices to keep his 
customers. This was being carried to such an extent 
that the same goods which one man bought at a 
certain price would perhaps cost his next-door neigh- 
bour 15, 20, or 25 per cent. more. This was a system 
likely to embarrass an honest and fair-dealing man : 
and upon this ground Mr. Pratt's advice was sought, 
and given as follows : — 

" MY DEAR SIR 

" We must never lose sight, in our dealings, of that Divine 
rule, i Whatsoever ye would,' that is, justly and reasonably, 
'that men should do unto you, do ye so unto them.' The 
price at which you sell your goods may be justly varied, 
according to the length of credit which you may be called to 
give, and any extra expense on account of distance. I think, 
also, that a conscientious tradesman may sell his goods lower 
where his money is sure, than when he runs considerable risk ; 



1829—1834.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



301 



but in such a case he ought, as it appears to me, to say to the 
buyer, c If you pay me by such a time, I will take off so much 
per cent.' That is, he will take off as much as will reduce the 
charge to that which it would have been if he had been reason- 
ably sure of his money. The point to be avoided by the con- 
scientious dealer is, the making of two prices to men under 
exactly like circumstances. If he wished to favour a relative, 
or a friend, or a young beginner in business, let him charge his 
fair price, and make any abatement, not in the way of trade, 
but as an act of kindness. Never let any man's representations 
of his purchasing goods at a lower price than you charge lead 
you, of itself, to abate in your charges. If the competition in 
trade be such as to withdraw business from you unless you 
sell at prices which will not support you, you must then look 
out for some other means of subsistence, trusting in Him who 
has said, 1 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will 
direct thy paths.' If your prices be so reduced that you can 
but just make your way, go on, patiently submitting, and wait- 
ing for better days. Having settled your prices on fixed prin- 
ciples of fair dealing, so as to sell to all men under like circum- 
stances at the same prices, and those at the lowest which the 
state of things may require and your necessity may allow, then 
decline all temptations to deviate from this course, and tell all 
who may lay such temptations in your way, that you offer your 
goods at the lowest prices at which you can keep up their 
quality and at the same time afford you a necessary subsistence. 
Whatever may be the issue of this course, you may, I think, 
satisfy yourself that you are acting therein as it becomes a 
Christian ; and may, therefore, with comfort and peace, leave 
yourself and your concerns in the hand of God. May He 
graciously bless you and your family, and bring you all into 
His righteous ways, and keep you therein to the end ! 

" I am, my dear Sir, very truly yours, 

"Josiah Pratt. 

" Finsbury Circus, . 



302 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XVI. 



" P. S. I wish to add to my letter of yesterday, that there 
are cases when the largeness of an order, or its clearing off 
goods which may be likely to grow into disuse, or to hang long 
on hand, may justify, as it appears to me, an abatement in the 
usual charge ; but conscience must judge whether the occasion 
be such as to justify such departure from the general rule." 

The following extracts are from letters of consola- 
tion written about this time : — 

To Miss S C . 

" MY DEAR S 

" Do not think, because I feel myself constrained to address 
a letter to you, that I am about to interfere with what may 
more properly belong to your medical advisers. It is not my 
province to give an opinion on your health, but I have a higher 
province and privilege assigned to me. It may please our 
Heavenly Father to restore you to perfect health, and to make 
you a comfort and blessing to your dear parents and brothers 
and sisters and friends for many years ; and it is my frequent 
prayer for you, that He would do this if it be for His glory : 
but as your Pastor, and your friend in Christ, our common 
Saviour and Lord, I can remind you of a still higher privilege 
than the assurance of your continuing in this world if it should 
be for God's glory : for not only is life yours, if you are Christ's, 
but death is yours. To you to live will be Christ ; you shall 
live in the continual favour of your Heavenly Father through 
the merits and intercession of your Saviour, and you shall live 
in faith and growing love and holiness by the grace of the 
Spirit of Christ : and when you die, death will be your gain ; 
for to depart, and to be with Christ, in His immediate and 
sensible presence, is far better than to toil in a world of sin, 
bearing up against an unbelieving and treacherous heart, a 
malicious and subtle enemy, and an ensnaring and defiling 
scene around us. The rest and holiness of heaven would be, 
indeed, 'far better' as it respects our present comfort and joy, 



1829—1834.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



303 



than to continue here ; but while it is the will of God that we 
should continue, it is \ far better,' that is, more for His glory, 
and more for our everlasting good, that we should bear up 
under our toils and sufferings here. In truth, the real and best 
rest of a Christian is, to have no will but the will of the Lord. 

I do, therefore, my dear S , offer you, with all Christian 

affection, my advice and counsel, that you make, by the gracious 
aid of the Holy Spirit, an explicit surrender of yourself, in 
body, soul, and spirit, to your merciful Saviour. You have 
often done this, I doubt not, in times past ; but I mean that 
you should do it by a solemn act, in secret between you and 
your God, in especial reference to His present dealings with 
you. I know that it is natural and lawful that you should love 
and cling to such parents, and relatives, and friends as He has 
given you ; and that, in the opening of your years, you should 
have looked forward to a share in those best comforts of 
domestic peace and love which the creature can afford : and I 
feel, that, with all the glorious light which the Word of God 
throws over the world beyond the grave, our fears and mis- 
givings and remaining corruptions make us shrink from the 
awful change. Then let us look for special help from the 
Lord. Now is the time for that act of faith to which St. Paul 
refers, when he says to Timothy, ' I know whom I have 
believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which 
I have committed unto Him against that day.' He who hath 
redeemed your body and soul from everlasting death by the 
sacrifice of Himself, will watch over you for your salvation 
until He shall present you, with all the redeemed, before the 
throne of His Father. You may, perhaps, have misgivings at 
times, and sinkings of heart, when you compare your state with 
your vows and obligations. But have you not received grace 
to choose the Lord as your portion ? Are you not looking for 
the mercy of God, through Christ, to bring you to eternal 
life ? Is it not your prevailing desire, by the gracious work of 
the Spirit of God on your soul, to be separated for ever from 



304 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XVI. 



all that displeases God, and to be conformed to the image of 
His Son ? Then, while you bow your head in sorrow and 
shame for your countless infirmities and failings, praise God 
for all that He has done ; acknowledge His gracious hand and 
free mercy ; build upon His promises, and plead them at the 
foot of the throne as all assured to you, ' Yea, and Amen in 
Christ Jesus.' The simpler your acts of faith on Christ, the 
happier will your soul be. Go to Him daily, hourly, just as 
you are. Weak, sinking, dis-spirited, depressed, tempted, 
burdened though you may be — remember that He knows how 
to feel for you and to succour you. Let faith drive away the 
busy crowd of harassing and disquieting thoughts. Lay hold 
on Him by the hand of faith, whose healing virtue was drawn 
out when on earth by that hand only touching the border of 
His garment. May the Holy Spirit, of whose only gift this 
faith cometh, work it in you ! In the study of the Word, and 
by prayer, this blessing will be obtained : and though e all 
Scripture is profitable' in order that 'the man of God may be 
throughly furnished unto all good works,' some portions are 
more especially suited to particular times. I should recom- 
mend you to meditate on the tenth to the seventeenth Chapters 
of St. John, and on the Epistles of St. Peter. I would rather 
that you should not feel yourself under the slightest obligation 
to answer this letter. If, indeed, you are now, or may be 
hereafter, under any exercises of mind, on which you would 
wish any advice or opinion from me, I should be glad to hear 
from you in any way that may give you the least trouble. Be 
assured that we bear you on our hearts as fellow-travellers 
with you to an everlasting home, and pray that God our Saviour 
may be glorified in and by you, by life and by death. 

" I am ever, dear S , 

" Your affectionate friend, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

To his eldest daughter, during the dangerous 



1829—1833.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



30.5 



illness of her eldest child, which terminated in death, 
he writes : — 

"London, Nov. 14, 1831. 

"MY DEAR CAROLINE — 

" I trust it will please God to spare your dear child ; but 
I cannot but pray that you and your husband may be graciously 
prepared to surrender her to her and your Heavenly Father, if 
He should be pleased to call her to Himself. You naturally 
indulge anticipations of good for her, first on earth, and 
eternally in heaven. But when you reflect on the fearful 
dangers which will inevitably beset her path (though we have 
abundant ground of encouragement, both from the Word of 
God and the course of His dealings, to believe that we shall 
meet those in heaven whom we have brought up in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord), your heart must often tremble. 
And I know no trial of our feelings, therefore, to which we are 
exposed, in all our relations in life, which should sooner be 
quieted, than the loss of those little ones who ( cannot discern 
between their right hand and their left.' All uncertainty 
respecting them is gone for ever with their parting breath. 
As their angels, while they are living in this world, do always 
behold the face of our Father which is in heaven, these little 
ones do but depart to behold that face themselves. And when- 
ever God is pleased to take them away early from under our 
care, remember that it is to secure them, and to perfect them, 
and to glorify them for ever. Give them your tears: e Jesus 
wept !' But let faith and gratitude dry up your tears, and 
almost stop them as they flow. 

Do not think, from the strain of my writing, that we give up 
your dear child as lost ; but, knowing how soon disease brings 
down such little ones to the grave, and remembering that, as 
parents, you will be exposed to these alarms even should this 
mercifully pass away, I felt myself moved to put you on your 
guard against too sure a dependence on their lives, and too 
close a clinging of your hearts to them. Our constant care 

x 



306 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chat. XVI. 



and earnest prayer, as parents, should be, not to make their 
death needful as a chastisement for our own good. When we 
can hold them as from God, and under God, and for God, 
then are they most likely to be continued with us: but if 
we lose sight of this, and cherish the feeling of their being 
ours, so as to suffer them to steal our hearts from God, it may 
please Him to rebuke us, while He renders them eternally 
safe, and holy, and blessed. I leave space for a line or two 
from your mother, and, with kindest regards to Mr. Clowes, 
am ever, dear Caroline, 

" Your affectionate Father, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

The following letter was occasioned by the death 
of his nephew, the Rev. Edward George Simcox, in 
South Wales, and is addressed to his brother-in-law. 
After alluding to the surprise with which the tidings 
had come upon him, he proceeds : — 

" But all is well ! Great mercy has been mingled with the 
bitter ingredients of the cup. Not the least of these is, the 
support which, under your remaining debility, our gracious 
Lord has afforded to you. The preparation of mind which 
you observed in my dear nephew is a sustaining consideration, 
which must bear us up against overmuch sorrow. For our 
dearest kindred to die Christians, and to go to the Saviour, and 
give us good evidence of this, are blessings of such incon- 
ceivable value, that though we may be allowed to weep for a 
season, and in moderation, because we are poor and feeble 
creatures yet in the body, faith must stint our tears, and teach 
us to be more happy in their never-ending holiness and joy, 
than mournful under our own bereavements. I do indeed feel 
for my dear sister. * * * * 

" I have written to my sister, that, if a sore throat under 
which I am suffering should get sufficiently better, I purpose 
to endeavour to be at Harborne next week. I am not well in 



1829—1833.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



307 



other respects, but still hope to be able to go down, as I am 
anxious to do all in my power to lead her mind to the only 
true and sufficient Comforter. He who wounds, and He only, 
can heal ; and if her wound shall never be perfectly healed in 
this life, yet the pain may be greatly mitigated, and they may 
be made to be perpetual reminders to her, that the country of 
our wounds is not the country of our repose. 

" Our Gracious Master has dealt with wonderful mercy 
towards us all. Spiritual prosperity with outward afflictions ! 
Who would not praise Him for the troubles which He so fruc- 
tifies ? ' If by any means ' may He make us all partakers of 
His eternal glory ! 

" Only Marianne is at home with me. All the rest are at 
Streatham, where we have had lodgings for a few weeks. She 
unites in kindest regards to yourself and dear Harriet. Let 
not that young heart fear, or be reluctant to trust that Saviour 
who never troubles but in love." 

About the same time his valued friend Mr. Hoare 
was called to sustain a severe loss in the death of 
his eldest son. He had passed through his College 
career with much honour to himself, had married, and 
entered on the business of life as a banker in the 
City, and gave promise of occupying and maintaining 
an important position, as a Christian gentleman and 
active philanthropist : but it was otherwise ordered. 
The following letter is addressed to his bereaved and 
afflicted parents : — 

" October 27, 1833. 
" 'Why weepest thouV occurring twice in my reading this 
morning in John xx., my mind was naturally led to your 
mourning family. Faith does, and will do, I doubt not, more 
for you than the well-known voice of the Master did in changing 
Mary's tears into joyful exultations. His bodily presence en- 

x 2 



308 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XVI. 



raptured her ; she had to learn what that meant in which we 
are all equally interested with her, ' I ascend unto my Father 
and your Father, to my God and your God.' The union of 
all Christ's members, whether as on earth or absent from the 
body, with Him, their living Head, and through Him with 
the Father, is not affected by time or circumstances. In that 
union it was the high privilege of your departed son to partici- 
pate. The decisive evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit on 
his soul, which his life and his descent to the grave have 
afforded, may well comfort your hearts with the assurance that 
he has followed his Saviour to Paradise ; and as you are, 
through sovereign mercy, partakers with him in the same 
grace, he might have parted from you in the words of his 
Lord; 1 1 ascend unto my Father and your Father, to my God 
and your God.' I cannot but hope indeed, as I do earnestly 
pray, that not you only, his dear parents and beloved widow, 
may claim a covenant interest in his Father and God, by faith 
in the Incarnate Redeemer, but that his brothers, before whom 
life is now opening, and the younger members of the family before 
whom it will soon begin to open, may diligently seek that grace 
which enabled their beloved brother, in the vigour of his youth, 
deliberately to renounce the world, the flesh, and the devil, 
and to follow Christ, as His soldier and servant, to his life's 
end. Your plans and hopes, my dear friends, which you had 
associated in your own minds with your beloved son, as to 
this world, and your family, are all thwarted. You asked 
your Samuel of the Lord, and He gave him to you, as you 
hoped, to build up your house still further for God. But He 
had other designs concerning him ; and when you witnessed 
with joy the maturity of his spirit in the grace of the Gospel, 
it was not, as you thought, for greater usefulness on earth, but 
for an earlier enjoyment of his crown. Thus it pleases Him 
to deal with us ; that, while our natural feelings are sharply 
exercised for a season, we may yet see such demonstrations of 
love to us, and of the comparative insignificance of all the 



1829—1833.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



309 



help and comforts of the creature, that we may rise in the 
realizing life of faith, and get a little higher at least in believing 
converse with our unseen Lord." 

Three years had not elapsed ere Mrs. Hoare herself 
was summoned to the same blessed rest, and Mr. Pratt 
was called once more to condole with her bereaved 
husband : — 

" MY DEAR FRIEND— 

" I have just been apprised of the solemn event which we 
had anticipated. I cannot but rejoice that the work of the 
gracious Refiner is finished ; and that the spirit of your pre- 
cious wife, washed in the blood of the Lamb, and clothed in 
the righteousness of her Lord, and adorned with the graces of 
the Spirit, has taken her station among those who have fallen 
asleep in Christ before her, to wait the glorious hour when our 
Lord will bring her with Him, and unite her to that body of 
humiliation, which you must soon put out of your sight, but 
which will then be made like unto His glorious body. Oh ! 
I do hope and pray that, as she has found many of her dear 
relations and friends there, redeemed like herself by sovereign 
grace from among the children of men, she may be followed 
thither by all her surviving kindred. Glad and thankful am I, 
my dear friend, to see so many giving good promise of a heart 
and life devoted to God ; and I trust that all and each will 
find a sealing and confirming power resting on their spirits 
from the testimony borne by such a life and such a death. If 
there be any whose hearts are not yet brought to a decision for 
God and heaven, I pray God that the example of one, who 
had at her command all that the world can give, may fix their 
feet firmly in the path of wisdom. She surely was raised up 
and sustained, as a subject of Divine grace and mercy, to shew 
to her whole extended circle the wisdom as well as the happi- 
ness of a simple reception of the Gospel of God our Saviour. 
Discerning and susceptible, yet stedfast and immoveable, she 



310 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XVI. 



was enabled, by the Holy Spirit, to seek acceptance with God 
through the alone merits of the Incarnate Saviour, and the 
renewal of the Divine Image in her soul by the power of the 
regenerating and sanctifying Spirit ; and in this course she has 
been kept by the power of God through faith, and has been 
borne through many conflicts and trials, brought on for the 
more perfectly uniting of her spirit to her Living Head, and 
for the cleansing and keeping open, through prayer, the 
channels of communion with Him. But now this lower stage 
of her being is passed away. She has entered on that inter- 
mediate exaltation which will prepare her disembodied spirit 
for the full felicity which awaits the redeemed, when the cor- 
ruptible shall put on incorruption, and the mortal immortality. 
I know, my dear friend, that, as your years have been passed 
with your beloved wife in all the interchange and mutual sup- 
port of endeared Christian faith and love, many places and 
circumstances will bring up associations in your mind, which 
may perhaps for the moment overwhelm you. Well ! be it so ; 
give way to your tears. You are the disciple of one who wept 
at the grave of His friend. Nor does He forget in heaven, 
what He felt as man on earth. If He closes in death the eye 
which ever beamed on us in love, and shuts that mouth which 
ever opened in wisdom, and silences the tongue in which dwelt 
ever the law of kindness, let us seek a more realizing faith, 
which shall bring us, by the continued power of the Spirit, into 
more direct and habitual communion with the Father and with 
His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. May a full measure of grace 
accompany this dispensation, to the eternal glory of our gracious 
God, in the present consolation and everlasting salvation of 
you all !" 



CHAPTER XVII. 

1835, 1836. 

MR. PRATT DECLINES PREACHING THE ANNIVERSARY CHURCH MISSIONARY 

SERMON HIS SERMON AT THE CONSECRATION OP BISHOP CORRIE 

IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING THE PURITY OF TRUTH — PECULIARITIES 
OF MISSIONS CONNECTED WITH AN EPISCOPAL CHURCH NEED OF A REVI- 
SION OF ECCLESIASTICAL RELATIONS IMPORTANCE OF A NATIVE 

MINISTRY — SCHOOLS — PROMISING SPHERE OF LABOUR IN THE EASTERN 

EMPIRE DEATH OF BISHOP CORRIE, AND OF MR. SIMEON — ADVICE TO HIS 

SONS AT COLLEGE — IMPORTANCE OF RIGHT MOTIVES FOR ENTERING ON 
THE MINISTRY AND PREPARATION FOR ITS SACRED DUTIES — SECOND 
VISIT OF BISHOP CHASE TO ENGLAND — CHURCH PASTORAL-AID SOCIETY. 

After Mr. Pratt resigned the Secretaryship of the 
Church Missionary Society, he was repeatedly invited 
and urged by the Committee, and the Secretaries who 
succeeded him, to preach their Anniversary Sermon. 
But he could never be prevailed on to accept the 
invitation. It has been well observed by Bishop 
Wilson, that " he had not a particle of what we under- 
stand by assumption and forwardness." Unobtrusive- 
ness was a prominent feature in his character, and 
in the opinion of his friends it sometimes verged to 
excess. It restrained him from the useful employment 
of his abilities on some public occasions, like that 
just mentioned, when his extensive knowledge on 
Missionary subjects, and his long and dearly-bought 
experience, might have been turned to much practical 
account. " He was willing to work underground and 
let others stand prominently forward, when he thought 
the end in view would be better attained :" and this 
he almost invariably imagined to be the case. 



312 



MR. PRATT DECLINES PREACHING AT [Chap. XVII. 



The following extracts of a letter from his rela- 
tive, Mr. Jowett, then Secretary of the Society, who 
made one more attempt at the close of 1832 to per- 
suade him to meet the wishes of the Committee, will 
at once shew on what grounds the appeal was made, 
and how strong must have been his natural repugnance 
to undertaking such a duty :— 

" I do not feel myself deterred by the short conversation of 
yesterday, but rather the more constrained to submit to you the 
importance of your undertaking to preach the Sermon at our 
next Anniversary. 

" The great labour of preparing what would satisfy your own 
mind is, indeed, an argument of much weight against it. We 
partly know how many engagements press upon you ; and we 
are bound to believe, that there are many more unknown to 
us : and we are concerned also to be obliged to take into the 
account that your health, which is so precious to your own 
family, your parish, and the Church, does not admit of your 
prosecuting objects, as formerly, with uninterrupted energy. 

" But now permit us to plead on the other side. You have 
an accumulated mass of knowledge and experience in Missio- 
nary matters, perhaps beyond any man living. God gave you 
these riches to be used. You cannot, indeed, if you decline 
our request, be accused of hiding your talent in a napkin ; 
both because you often give us Missionary counsels, and also 
in the c Register' we see your Missionary mind. But an 
Anniversary Sermon is a document which draws into itself 
more copious and well-digested views, and attracts far more 
public notice : and in this way it affords an opportunity of 

doing so much the greater good. 

* ■* * * * * * 

" There is no other person that has so closely observed, 
for more than a whole generation, the great revival of 
these days; or that has been so truly pars magna of this 



1332.] THE CHURCH MISSIONARY ANNIVERSARY. 313 

period. God cannot have ordained this for nothing. Has He 
not more work for you ? * * * * If time and study, and 
prayer and watchfulness, have all concurred to establish your 
judgment, then may we not ask to have the benefit of your 
opinion given under circumstances which no other person can 
command? * * * * After all, that much mental labour 
will be requisite cannot be doubted. I earnestly hope, and I 
pray God that you may, in this respect, be strengthened with 
all might by His Spirit in the inner man. As for the outer 
man (I mean to allude to that diffident and fastidious feeling, 
which would lead you to shrink from a work of great importance, 
through the fear of not satisfying your own mature mind, and 
the just expectation of the religious public), it is but an instinct, 
just like that of self-preservation, or any other: and it has its 
sanctified use, in keeping us from rashness, and impelling us 
to do things with the utmost (to us) practicable perfection. 

But if allowed to go further, may it not become a snare ? 

* * * ■* * * * 

" You have seen, first the day of small things ; then a day 
of surprising success, which elated many ; then the chastise- 
ment of the Lord our God (Deuteronomy ii. 2) ; now, I do 
believe, a day of humble awe and believing enlargement 
(Isaiah lx. 5). Point out to us, I pray you, guidance and 
encouragements for a little longer. Write us a Christian 
Deuteronomy (Ps. lxxi. 17, 18)." 

But this powerful appeal was ineffectual. 

An occasion, however, of delivering publicly the 
results of his information and experience on subjects 
connected with Missions subsequently presented itself ; 
and this, from personal considerations, he felt con- 
strained to embrace. 

In the year 1835, the Presidency of Madras and the 
Island of Ceylon were separated from the diocese of 
Calcutta, and erected into a distinct See ; and the 



314 



SERMON AT THE 



[Chap. XVII. 



Archdeacon of Calcutta was appointed to preside over 
this new diocese. In September of this year Mr. 
Pratt writes : — 

" It gave us great pleasure to receive our dear friend Corrie, 
and to see him in such health and spirits. As he desired me 
to preach the Consecration Sermon, I could not decline this, 
out of friendship. It seemed my duty, on this occasion, to 
state some results of my long observation and experience, which 
I have accordingly done. 

" The state of things in the West Indies has forced on our 
attention some of the questions touched on in the Sermon ; 
and, certainly, it is a point of vital importance to Episcopal 
Missions, how best to adapt Church Discipline to the fur- 
therance of such Missions." 

The difficulties here alluded to, followed upon the 
Church Missionary Society's extending their operations 
in the West Indies after the emancipation of the 
Slaves on the 1st of August, 1834 — "one of the 
most memorable days/' he writes, " in the records of 
the world." A question arose somewhat analogous to 
that, which engaged the attention of the Society in the 
earlier years of the Episcopate in India. The oppor- 
tunity, therefore, which now presented itself of giving 
his matured views upon this subject, and that before 
the highest authority in the Church, was most impor- 
tant, and not to be lost. 

His text was 2 Tim. ii. 1 — 4 : " Thou therefore, my 
son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 
And the things that thou hast heard of me among 
many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful 
men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou 



1835.] 



CONSECRATION OF BISHOP CORRIE. 



315 



therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus 
Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with 
the affairs of this life ; that he may please him who 
hath chosen him to be a soldier." 

He commences by describing the character of that 
sacred Truth which Timothy had heard, and which 
the Apostle here directs him to commit to faithful 
men ; and with reference to the errors of the Trac- 
tarian School, which was then rising, he urged that 
this Truth should be preserved in untainted purity 
from the traditions of men, which had been the ruin 
alike of the Jewish and the Romish Churches : and he 
completes his brief introductory exposition of the 
Apostle's exhortation, by shewing how the faithful 
pastor must be ready to " endure hardness as a good 
soldier of Jesus Christ." 

He next adverts to the solemnity of the Consecra- 
tion ; and observes " how feelingly and forcibly" the 
exhortation bore upon the present occasion, " when 
his friend of many, many years" was " called to enter 
that order of Christ's Ministry, to which is entrusted 
the sacred charge of appointing others to gather His 
sheep out of this evil world, and to feed the flock 
which He hath purchased with His own blood." 

After taking occasion to give his views of the 
Episcopal Form of Church Government*, with a 



* The following extract will sufficiently shew what these views were : — 
" From the times, and according to the practice, of the Apostles, we 
believe not only that this Government prevailed among their immediate 
successors, but that it characterized the Visible Church for fifteen hun- 
dred years ; and it is important to remark, on the present occasion, that 

the 



316 



SERMON AT THE 



[Chap. XVII. 



degree of candour and moderation worthy of imita- 
tion, he proceeds to the main topic of his valuable 
discourse : — 

" While the United Church of these realms seeks to take 
her share in propagating the Gospel of Christ in the world, it 
is a subject for serious consideration in ivhat manner that pur- 
pose may be best accomplished." 

" The Christian Church," he adds, " is, in her very design 
and constitution, a Missionary Church. He, who formed her 
and gave her a commission and authority to act, prescribed no 



the first Protestant Bishop of India, after extensive observation of the 
character and circumstances of the Natives, expresses his conviction, in 
speaking of Ceylon, that most of the converts, with the exception of those 
of the Romish Faith, would very readily, by whatever Protestant 
Teachers they had been brought to the knowledge of the Gospel, range 
themselves under Episcopal Authority ; adding a general principle appli- 
cable to the whole Eastern World—' No Government, which has not 
some analogy to Monarchy, is suited to the habits and the tempers of the 
people of this quarter of the globe/ 

" That innovations should have been made at the time of the Reforma- 
tion in the Form of Government, which had till that period prevailed in 
the Church, is no occasion of wonder to such as duly consider the circum- 
stances of that day. 

" The corruptions of the Romish Priesthood, and the secularity and 
vices of the Hierarchy, had prepared the way for the Reformation. The 
revival of Letters had opened the minds of men ; and had thrown such 
light on the state of the Romish Church, that multitudes withdrew them- 
selves from its authority. Where this was done under the guidance of 
men who separated in their minds the system of Church Government 
from the abuse of that System, and were countenanced and supported in 
their measures by the secular power, the Primitive Government was- 
retained: but where these favourable circumstances were wanting, Re- 
formers, some willingly, and others of constraint, departed more or less 
from the Primitive Form : the Romish Church, indeed, ever true to her 
assumption of authority over the whole body of those who name the name 
of Christ, repudiates all from the Christian Fold, whatever Form of Go- 
vernment 



1835.] 



CONSECRATION OF BISHOP CORRIE. 



317 



other limits to her than those of the whole world of mankind : 
' All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth : Go ye, 
therefore, and teach all nations.' As she should entrench herself 
in one community of men, she was to send forth her messengers 
of mercy to remoter nations. Jews and Gentiles, Barbarians 
and Scythians, bond and free, male and female, were to be the 
objects of her love and zeal. Wherever she settled down in 
ease, and contented herself with the conquests which she had 
gained, she was guilty of dereliction of duty to her Lord : and 
her sin herein led to her punishment : for the energy which 
should have found its proper employ in carrying forward the 
victories of the Cross, recoiled on those who neglected to give 



vernment they adopt, who do not bow to her usurped dominion ; but 
Protestant Churches give the right hand of fellowship to one another, as 
holding the Truth necessary to Salvation, though they do not agree 
wholly in matters of Discipline. 

" That the Episcopal Government is authorised by Scripture, and comes 
down to us sanctioned by Apostolical Practice and the usage of Fifteen 
Hundred years, we firmly believe. That the abuse of that Form of 
Government furnishes no sufficient argument against it, we strongly con- 
tend ; unless it could be shewn that it has a greater aptitude and tendency 
to abuse than any other, the contrary of which we believe. That a 
Government, lacking the advantages of the Primitive Form, may yet be 
so administered as to have greater influence on a people than ill-admini- 
stered Episcopacy, cannot be denied ; and it must be remembered, in 
estimating the comparative influence of different Forms of Government in 
the Church, that Communities which select their members by religious 
tests, out of large and mixed Communities, have special advantages in 
maintaining within themselves peace and order. But, under all the 
authority of history and experience, and on the deepest convictions of its 
efficiency for good, we do earnestly contend for that Primitive Form 
under which we have the happiness to live as Christians ; and, while we 
desire the spiritual good of all who love Christ in sincerity, we must 
regret that any Christian should be deprived of the advantages of that 
Discipline which tends, in our judgment, when duly administered, to the 
highest degree of Christian Order and the greatest measure of Christian 
Edification." 



318 



SERMON AT THE 



[Chap. XVII. 



it its right direction, and spent itself in dividing and weakening 
the Church by endless heresies and schisms." 

After this, he proceeds to give the result of his own 
matured experience of the working of Missions among 
the heathen; and adverts specially to the causes of 
difficulty which Missionaries have met with, in the 
exercise of their office in the communion of the 
Church of England. 

He was decidedly of opinion, that, during the tran- 
sition period of Missionary operations, intervening 
between the uninterrupted reign of heathen darkness 
and the happy result of Missionary labours in the 
settlement of Christian districts, with their parishes 
and fixed congregations, it is better that the work 
should be carried on through the instrumentality of 
independent Societies, such as we have at present. 

" Yet," he adds, " the labours of Episcopal Societies among 
the heathen should be conducted in due subordination to the 
Episcopal Authority, wherever such Authority has been or may 
be established ; while the responsibility for the direction and 
support of the Missions remains with the respective Societies, 
acting through their accredited representatives abroad." 

He afterwards passes on to notice the growing 
necessities of the Church in India, and the need of a 
corresponding revision of our ecclesiastical relations 
with that country : — 

" All the prognostications of evil, which compelled the 
founders of the English Episcopacy in India to consent to its 
being limited to the care of Europeans, having been completely 
falsified, and in the interval since its establishment the simul- 
taneous permission for Missionaries to proceed thither having 



1835.] 



CONSECRATION OF BISHOP COREIE. 



319 



been acted upon on a large scale, and including many belong- 
ing to the Church, the United Church appears now to be in 
circumstances which entitle her to ask for such extension of 
the powers of the Episcopacy in India, as may assign to it a 
regulated authority over all the labours of her Clergy in the 
East." 

And in addition to this intimation, that the Chris- 
tian Rulers of India should be called upon to aid in 
offering facilities to their heathen subjects of acquiring 
a knowledge of the Truth, he shews that some means 
should be devised for enabling the Church to bring 
her ordinances before that increasing class of Euro- 
peans, whom the Company do not recognize as their 
servants : — 

" Such enlarged powers are, indeed, become necessary in 
reference to both the great classes which demand her care — 
the British and the Natives. 

" The change of our relations with India, which has taken 
place since the establishment of the Episcopate, lays, of itself, 
sufficient ground for increased means of applying its advantages 
to our own countrymen. The easy access to India afforded 
by the New Charter [of 1833], with the enterprising spirit of 
commerce, will multiply very greatly the number of English- 
men, who will need the aid of those ordinances in which they 
have been nurtured at home : and so great has been the benefit 
conferred by these means, through the blessing of God, on our 
countrymen heretofore resident in India, that, if there were no 
further object in view than the spiritual good of those who are 
emigrating in increasing numbers to the East, it would be the 
duty of the Church to provide for them access to the means of 
grace." 

In connection with the right government and disci- 
pline of the Church's Missionary Labours, he places, 



320 



SERMON AT THE 



[Chap. XVII. 



as of very great importance, a due provision of com- 
petent labourers in the various offices of Missionaries, 
Catechists, and Schoolmasters : — 

" In the present efforts for the conversion of the world," he 
observes, " there is no reason for expecting any other course 
to be opened to us by the providence of God, than that in 
which He was pleased to lead His servants in the first conver- 
sion and settling of the Christian nations. Christianity has 
nowhere sprung up of itself ; nor will it ever be the spontaneous 
product of any soil. Whoever were the instruments of convey- 
ing the Gospel to any land, it has nowhere obtained a per- 
manent settlement but through the means chiefly of native 
converts ; who possess advantages which no foreigner can 
attain, in knowledge of the language, in habits of living, in 
familiarity with the manners, and opinions, and feelings of 
their countrymen, and in acquaintance with the most effective 
means of influencing their minds. There is, consequently, that 
self-sustaining power in a native ministry, which is necessary 
to the permanent and extended influence of the Gospel in every 
country, but which Foreign Churches cannot supply. In 
respect both of an adequate number of labourers, and of the 
means of supporting them, our hope must be steadily fixed on 
native resources." 

He dwells with much satisfaction on the benefits 
likely to flow, in this respect, from the large establish- 
ment of Schools in our Missions ; and traces the hand 
of God in the manner in which this was brought 
about. 

te The Missionaries who led the way in the more recent 
efforts among the heathen, went out under a prevailing feeling 
that their one and almost exclusive object was, to preach the 
Gospel. The education of heathen children seems not to 



1835.] 



CONSECRATION OF BISHOP CORFJE. 



321 



have entered into their estimate of the means which might 
be profitably employed. But the apathy, fickleness, levity, 
superstition, and sensuality of the adult heathen, so discou- 
raged, in many instances, the hearts of the labourers, that 
they felt relief only in the hope that God might be pleased to 
bless their endeavours among the children of those heathens. 

" So little, indeed, had this course of labour entered into 
calculation, that doubts arose, in some quarters, whether the 
Societies at home would not consider such occupation of the 
time of Missionaries as too remote and contingent in its 
prospect of benefit, to justify them in entering thereon ; and 
the Preacher well remembers a case in which a company of 
Missionaries — in utter despair of accomplishing any good work 
with the adults around them, who were yet willing, from the 
hope of secular advantages, to entrust to them their children 
— pleaded earnestly with the Society at home, that they might 
be permitted to devote their time to such children. He well 
remembers, too, the reluctance with which this request was 
granted : yet the wisdom of the measure now commends itself 
to all competent judges; and has so engaged the zeal of dif- 
ferent bodies, that there are not fewer, according to recent 
Returns, than nearly One Hundred and Twenty Thousand 
children of heathens, or of those who were but lately hea- 
thens, receiving education in Protestant Missions. 

" Missionaries were thus providentially led to lay the foun- 
dations of Christianity among the heathen deep and wide ; 
and were made content to labour, that others might enter into 
their labours. The superstructure began, indeed, to rise before 
their own eyes ; and they were encouraged to hope, that it 
had pleased God to guide them in a way which they had not 
known, to the adoption of a System better adapted than any 
other to the ultimate establishment of the Gospel in the nations 
of the earth. They found, as might be expected, wherever 
education was pursued on a considerable scale, and on Chris- 
tian principles, that some children of the heathen were not 

Y 



322 



SERMON AT THE 



[Chat. XVII. 



only distinguished from the rest by their mental powers, but, 
in not a few instances, by the influence of Divine Grace on 
their hearts. Classes of such promising children were formed ; 
and special instruction was given to them, with the view of 
training them up to become Schoolmasters, Readers, and 
Catechists to their countrymen. The most important aid has 
been derived from these Seminaries ; and encouragement has 
been given, by the promising character and effective labours 
of many of the Seminarists, to found Colleges, with the design 
of preparing natives of this description to act as Ministers 
and Missionaries among the heathen. 

"And thus has a System been brought into operation, which 
needs nothing but adequate enlargement, wise superintend- 
ence, and steady perseverance, with that blessing which God 
never fails to bestow on the patient labours of His Servants, 
to provide that supply of Teachers and Ministers from native 
resources, which alone will be adequate to establish and 
maintain the full influence of the Gospel in any heathen 
land." 

" It may be many years," he continues, " before Eastern 
Converts will be raised, of sufficient intelligence and mental 
vigour, to be wholly left to themselves as Christian Teachers : 
both the stimulating and corrective influence of minds matured 
under the advantages enjoyed in the Western Churches may 
be long needed ; but, as the whole tone of society shall be 
raised by the powerful action of Christianity, the more intel- 
lectual classes will rise in proportion, and the time must arrive 
when the Christian Nations of the East shall, like those of the 
West in earlier times, be enabled, under the Divine Blessing, 
to maintain Religion in vigour among them by the services of 
a Native Ministry." 

This leads him to enter upon the subject of the 
qualifications requisite for Missionary labour : — 

" It has been a mistake ever to suppose that men of feeble 



1833.] 



CONSECRATION OF BISHOP CORRIE. 



323 



minds and limited intelligence were competent to the work of 
Missions, provided they were under the powerful influence of 
the grace of God. That grace applies all our powers with the 
highest effect to which they are adequate, but it does not supply 
the place of those powers : and though it has pleased God to 
bless the simple testimony of upright and devout men of but 
feeble minds, yet there is no reason to doubt that their useful- 
ness would have been greater, and its fruits more abiding, if, 
with equal piety, they had known how to open and apply the 
Gospel to a larger portion of those among whom they laboured. 
There is no natural gift nor solid attainment, which may not 
be rendered subservient to the great end which the devout 
Missionary has in view. 

" But the present circumstances of Missions, particularly in 
the East, specially demand a higher order of Labourers than 
may suffice for the direct communication of the Gospel to the 
heathen. The Teacher of teachers is called for from every 
quarter. The Seminaries and Colleges connected with Church 
Missions, and those established by other Communities, are 
seeking for men of eminent piety and distinguished powers." 

He here mentions several encouraging circum- 
stances, such as the shaking of the whole System of 
Idolatry and the cultivation of European Science 
among the Hindoos, and indications springing up at 
home of increased attention to the Eastern World. 
And after some further remarks on the imperative 
duty of " depending wholly for success on the promised 
supply of the Holy Spirit/' and shewing the " solemn 
responsibility under which our country is laid by the 
vast dominion given to us in the East/' he gives the 
following favourable view, both of the facilities pre- 
senting themselves in the work and of the progress 
already made in the removal of obstacles : — 

v 2 



324 



SERMON AT THE 



[Chap. XVII. 



" Never, till this our day, was such an extended sphere of 
promising labour opened among the heathen of our Eastern 
Empire, nor such facilities tendered to those who labour in 
that sphere. It could not be anticipated when the English 
Episcopate was founded, that, in the course of Twenty Years, 
so many obstacles should be removed — such a favourable change 
effected in the public judgment and feelings — so great a mea- 
sure of actual good accomplished — and such provisions made 
for acting on a system adapted to the state of the East, and on 
a scale which promises to be ultimately commensurate with the 
spiritual wants of the natives. 

" Even China, where a third of the human race have been 
shut up in gross darkness, begins to open to the light of Divine 
Truth. Recent intercourse with its' interior has shewn, that 
the body of the people are both able and eager to read what 
may be offered to them ; and as, in the good Providence of 
God, the Holy Scriptures have been prepared for them in their 
own tongue, and the acquisition of their language has been 
greatly facilitated, it cannot be doubted that the time is come, 
when it is the duty of Christians to seek more earnestly every 
proper opportunity of bringing the untold millions of that 
benighted empire under the influence of the Divine Word. 

i( We are admonished, indeed, by the first Bishop of Cal- 
cutta, and by each of his successors, and by every other diligent 
labourer, that though the vast fields around them are white 
already unto harvest, no arm of man is there found sufficient 
to gather in that harvest. Their serious and constantly- 
renewed entreaties to us are, ever to remember the injunction 
of the Great Head of the Church when upon earth, and to be 
fervent and persevering in prayer that labourers may be sent 
out by the Lord of the Harvest into the field of the world, 
and that the power of the Holy Spirit may accompany their 
labours." 

He adds, in conclusion : — 



1835.] 



CONSECKATION OF BISHOP CORRIE. 



325 



" May the Solemnities of this day be the means of en- 
dearing to our own souls more than ever the Salvation which 
is in Christ Jesus ! May they abide in the memory, and have 
a perpetual influence on the hearts, of all who partake therein ! 
And may it especially please Him, who now sendeth forth 
His servant to that sphere of toil and conflict where he has 
already spent the earlier vigour of his days, to spare him for 
many years, and to crown his labours with an abundant bless- 
ing ! And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, may he 
receive a croivn of glory that fadeth not away ! " 

The Sermon was printed and published "at the 
command of His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury/' 
who thus testified his general concurrence in the 
views so ably and distinctly laid before him. 

The hope that his friend would be spared many 
years in his new sphere of duty, was not realized. He 
had already long toiled in the East, in the service of 
his Master, and his course was now nearly run : on 
the 5th of February, 1837, after a short illness, he was 
called to his rest. In writing to the Bishop of Cal- 
cutta, Mr. Pratt thus alludes to this unlooked-for and 
painful event : — ■ 

" Alas ! for our beloved Corrie ! For him we rejoice ; but 
for that large portion of your diocese so lately assigned to 
the guidance of his fatherly hand, we mourn. Yet { the Shep- 
herd and Bishop of our souls' is 'the same yesterday, and 
to-day, and for ever !' We do thank Him, my dear friend, on 
your behalf. He has indeed preserved you beyond our hopes. 
The appointment of a right-minded successor to our departed 
friend, lies much on our hearts." 

About the same time, another eminent servant of 
God among Mr. Pratt's numerous acquaintances, and 



326 



DEATH OF MR. SIMEON. 



[[Chap. XVII. 



one who had been, all through a long and active life, 
deeply interested in the welfare of the Church in 
India, was likewise called hence. The day before 
the event Mr. Pratt writes to his younger son, then 
resident at Cambridge, Nov. 12, 1836 : — 

" We have heard a letter from Mr. S which leads us to 

suppose, that our dear Father Simeon is in his Rest! We 
should be glad to hear what particulars you may know. May 
his mantle fall on your head and the heads of all your associates 
at Cambridge ! No man more highly favoured of God has 
departed for many years. I have known him, and marked his 
progress and his labours, for about fifty-three years ! Being 
dead, he yet speaketh ; and will long speak, I doubt not, both 
by his writings and by the ministry of his spiritual children." 

It was in a great measure on account of the advan- 
tages afforded by the example and instructions of this 
devoted man, that Mr. Pratt, although himself a 
graduate of the University of Oxford, decided on 
sending both his sons to Cambridge. The summit of 
his earthly happiness was to see his family growing 
up around him in the fear of the Lord ; and he would 
say of them, as St. John wrote to his well-beloved 
Gaius of his spiritual sons, / have no greater joy than 
to hear that my children walk in the truth. But it was 
an especial object of his solicitude, that they who 
had devoted themselves to the ministry of the Gospel 
should be thoroughly furnished for their high calling. 
While he encouraged them to every proper degree 
of exertion for the attainment of an honourable stand- 
ing in the College and University Examinations, it 
was growth in heavenly wisdom which he most desired : 



1835.] 



ADVICE ON THE COLLEGE COURSE. 



327 



and he constantly guarded them against the dangers 
to which their advancement in spiritual things would 
be exposed. 

" My advice to you," he writes to one of them during his 
first year at College, " ever will be what my daily prayers for 
you are, that you should go forward with all prudent diligence, 
aiming to serve and glorify your God and Saviour, and con- 
tented with all that He shall appoint for you — humble and 
thankful if you succeed in your College course — submissive 
and cheerful if (so labouring to glorify Him) you should fail in 
attaining all that you might desire. You must ever remember, 
my dear John, that to succeed in matters which are the objects 
of the ambition of numbers around you, requires a large measure 
of grace, that you may maintain a due regard to the glory of 
your Heavenly Master, and devote all to Him. If, on account 
of health, or from any other cause, you may be disappointed 
in your hopes and wishes in any considerable degree, take it 
as a dispensation from His hand for your real benefit. If we 
are His, and He designs to render us useful to the spiritual 
and eternal interests of others (and I trust that He has given 
you, and will cherish and strengthen in you, this settled desire), 
we must expect to be, in one way or other, painfully disciplined. 
But in whatever form this discipline may come, and at whatever 
time, ( cleave unto the Lord with purpose of heart.' " 

His views on the subject of designing a son for 
the ministry remained unaltered from what they were 
at a much earlier period of his life. We find them 
recorded between thirty and forty years before this, in 
his notes at the Eclectic Society. It is " so important 
a matter, that it must be by God's own leading. I 
would keep it out of sight from a boy : [I would] not 
tell him. — A useful Minister is of God's making, not 



328 



ADVICE TO ONE DESIROUS 



[Chap. XVII. 



ours. Our duty is to remove all obstacles, and use 
all due means. I would follow the youth with 
prayer : would lay books in his way : introduce him 
to companions : but the first proposal should come 
from him." He followed this method himself. He 
was averse to taking the initiative in proposing the 
ministry as a profession, as he thought it would be 
" taking the matter too much out of God's hands." 
He thought, also, that a young man, except in special 
cases, should have had his mind drawn to the subject 
early, that his habit of thought and education might 
be directed into the right channel. It was under this 
impression that he wrote as follows to a young friend , 
who had very recently completed a successful career 
at Oxford, and had been intended for the bar. He 
was the eldest son of a large family, who had recently 
been left orphans by the death of their father, which 
had also left him heir to an estate in one of the 
midland counties of England : — 

" When I think of the state of our country, and consider the 
exclusive power of the Gospel as the instrument of its civil 
stability and peace, and of the everlasting salvation of its 
people, I feel ready to say to every man whose character and 
circumstances promise usefulness, i Do the work of an Evan- 
gelist ! ' But when I consider how important pious, educated, 
and well-connected Laymen are in giving countenance and 
efficiency to ministerial labours, and consider that not a few 
have gone into the ranks of the ministry, who, in my judgment, 
might have done God more service out of those ranks, then I 
feel that your question must be discussed with thoughtfulness 
and with an enlarged view of all circumstances. 

" If you have had this matter on your mind, from a stronger 



1835—1836.] 



OF ENTERING THE MINISTRY. 



329 



impression of the sin and danger of men — of the dishonour 
done to Christ in their contempt of His Gospel — of the value 
of immortal souls — of the vanity of the world — of the impor- 
tance of the ministry as the appointed means of salvation ; and 
have deliberately, after much prayer and self-inquiry, come to 
the wish and desire to give yourself up to this work, from love 
to Christ and to the souls of men, so far as you can ascertain 
your own motives, I should feel very reluctant to check such a 
desire. But even supposing this to be the state of your mind, 
there are some considerations, which it seems to me should be 
taken into the account in coming to a determination on the 
matter." 

He here enters into matters connected with the 
estate which his friend had recently inherited ; and 
then proceeds : — 

" What I have said goes on the assumption that you are 
quite right in your views and motives ; but with the most entire 
integrity and sincerity, we are still liable to be acted upon by 
such tides and under-currents, that, while we think we are stiffly 
steering the head direct for the port, we are falling into shoals 
and quicksands. You may probably feel some distaste for the 
law ; or you may anticipate difficulties and painful things in 
the practice of it ; or you may look at our profession under the 
aspect chiefly of its adventitious advantages ; or you may have 
been moved to emulation by witnessing the efficient zeal of 
some ; or you may think that the ministry cuts off many tempta- 
tions, and offers many advantages for the benefit of personal 
religion. These feelings, and all like these, have (even the 
last mentioned) so much of personal consideration in them, 
that, of themselves, they should be viewed, as it seems to me, 
with more suspicion than deference. All difficulties which you 
may anticipate, supposing you to follow the leadings of Provi- 
dence, you may expect to be carried through. 

" I have thus stated what occurs to me on the different views 



330 



A SUITABLE PREPARATION 



[Chap. XVII. 



of this question, and pray our Heavenly Master to guide you 
in your decision, and to bless you all through life and make 
you a blessing to others." 

The importance of a careful preparation for the 
solemn duties of the ministry, he always aimed at 
impressing on the minds of those among his acquain- 
tance who were candidates for that sacred office. 
And he was rejoiced to see the increased attention 
which has been recently paid to this subject, in conse- 
quence of the establishment of Theological Scholar- 
ships and Examinations in the University of Cambridge. 
He often lamented, too, that there was in most cases 
so brief an interval — after the absorbing and exhaust- 
ing studies of those, especially, who read for honours 
— in which to prepare for the higher duties to follow. 

" Sermons are wanted," he whites to one of his sons, with 
reference to the engagements on which he was entering, " and 
sermons must be prepared ; and that often before the preacher 
knows what to believe, and why he is to believe it. Your reli- 
gious advantages, indeed, have, under the the grace of God, 
given you a better knowledge of the Scriptures than most 
young men enjoy ; but even to set out with good promise of 
becoming e a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly 
dividing the word of truth,' requires that you should know 
somewhat of the due place of each truth in the Gospel system, 
and of the dependence of one upon another." 

As a preliminary course of study, he points out the 
following, to one whose attention was much absorbed 
in active College pursuits : — 

" The knowledge of the original Scriptures lies at the root 
of the tree, which bears nutritious and well-favoured fruit : you 
have already in possession the means of studying the Greek 



1835—1836.] FOE THE DUTIES OF THE MINISTRY. 



331 



Scriptures, but with the Hebrew you have yet to form an 
acquaintance. Place yourself, therefore, under Professor Lee ; 
and give up all the time needful tojay a solid foundation, on 
which you may hereafter yourself build." 

He afterwards adds : — 

" Commit to memory the Epistles of Timothy and Titus, in 
both the original and the translation. Study the Articles, 
Liturgy, and Homilies, with a view to your taking on yourself 
the office of administering under them, with an enlightened 
assent and consent. Above all, study the Word, with earnest 
prayer for the teaching and grace of the Holy Spirit, that you 
may become f a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 
rightly dividing the Word of Truth.' 

" As the time draws near when you may offer yourself for 
Ordination, your studies sould be dir ected more immediately to 
that object : Burnett's ' Pastoral Care,' and Baxter's ' Reformed 
Pastor,' with the parts of Cecil's f Remains ' which relate to the 
ministry, may be read with advantage." 

And in a subsequent letter he adds :— 

" I advise, for the next six months, much attention to Hebrew 
and Greek, with reference to the Scriptures. Read a portion 
of the Old Testament in Hebrew, and in the Septuagint, and a 
portion of the New in Greek, daily. By the help of Commen- 
tators, and with thought and prayer, and under the gracious 
guidance of the Holy Spirit, endeavour to get a fixed know- 
ledge every day of a portion of the Scriptures, and in due 
order ; so that, when called on to give the sense of that portion, 
in the pulpit, or in the family, or in free conversation, you shall 
have a competent understanding of it. It will be a work of 
years, indeed, to attain such knowledge ; but it will be well to 
place it before your eyes, as an object to be kept ever in view, 
and toward which some progress should be daily made. 

" Connected with this, get a book for Common Places of 



332 



A SUITABLE PREPARATION 



[Chap. XVII. 



Divinity; and, under the main heads of Faith, Repentance, 
Justification, &c, enter your own views, distinctly expressed ; 
and, as you read the best authors, make quotations of pithy, 
weighty, and sound sentiment : so that you may have always at 
hand your own digested view of each subject. Enter under 
each head the clearest definitions, such as those of the Assem- 
bly's Catechism, Usher's ' Body of Divinity,' &c. The sub- 
tleties of error are so refined and numerous, that you will often 
find the benefit of Common Places, thus collected by yourself, 
in helping you to brush away the cobwebs which the spiders 
of the Church spin round the simple truths of the Gospel." 

Respecting the choice of practical commentators on 
the whole of Scripture, he gives the following advice: — ■ 

" Keep close to Scott and Henry : he who makes himself 
master of their explanations and improvements of Scripture, 
and imbibes the spirit which was largely poured on those holy 
men, will be a scribe well instructed to all purposes of edifica- 
tion, both in and out of the pulpit. From many other quarters 
he may obtain more accurate or more enlarged views of parti- 
cular passages, and much striking illustration of various pas- 
sages ; but these holy men should be his standard-bearers. 
They speak ' the doctrine of the Lord,' and the sound senti- 
ments of the Spiritual Church from the beginning, free from 
the taint of those numberless ' isms' which weak or wilful 
individuals have sought to gather from the Word, or to father 
upon it. There is something delightful in being so e a man of 
One Book' as to make it our set purpose, in all that we read or 
observe, to gather illustrations of the Holy Word. To be off- 
hand a judicious expounder and applier of the sense of a passage 
of Scripture, is a far higher attainment than the composing of 
a good sermon, and perhaps the highest in the discharge of the 
ministerial office ; — brief, yet no part left without sufficient 
explanation — illustrations lively and apt, yet solid and grave — 
application naturally growing out of the passage, and wisely 



1S35— 1836.] FOR THE DUTIES OF THE MINISTRY. 



333 



and affectionately brought to bear on the hearers. It would 
be an excellent exercise to prepare passages of ten, fifteen, or 
twenty verses, in which unity of design may be connected with 
variety of parts and illustration, and which may be opened and 
applied in a quarter of an hour. Study one of these papers 
before you go into company, where you will be called on to act 
as a minister. If they are terse and close, as I propose that 
they should be, a little expansion and enlargement will make 
them sermons." 

Three years after the date of the first of these letters 
of advice, the following was written, and is valuable as 
setting forth the simple motive and principles which 
should actuate every one, who desires to enter on his 
calling in the right spirit : — 

" As you will, in all probability, enter soon into the Ministry, 
and ask for my counsel on the solemn occasion, I will take this 
opportunity of saying what at present occurs to me, as the result 
of my own experience and observation. 

" In the first place, seek for grace that you may well settle 
it in your heart, that, in the one grand future business of your 
life — the winning of souls — you are absolutely and unreservedly 
the servant of Him who died to save the souls of men. You 
are to go whither He would send you : you are to stay where 
He would have you stay : you are to move when He would 
have you move : you are to use the means which He has 
appointed, and no other : you are to aim at His glory alone, 
and in all things : you are to live on the supply of His Spirit, 
in the diligent use of means ; and you are to look for success 
wholly from Him. And thus whatever you do in word or deed, 
all will be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, and to the 
glory of God by Him. 

" But how are you to know His will ? Settle it here in 
your heart, that the Word, rightly understood and rightly 
applied, is to be your perpetual guide. This is the voice of 



334 



A SUITABLE PREPARATION 



[Chap. XVII. 



your Master to you. It is in all cases audible and intelligible. 
The difficulty is, so to break through our ignorance and self- 
love, as to understand it rightly, and apply it rightly. Where 
it is so understood and applied, I repeat it, that it is always 
audible and intelligible. It either tells us what step next to 
take, or it tells us to wait for more light on our path. Num- 
bers of sincere and pious men err here. Many do not under- 
stand the Scriptures ; and many who may comprehend the 
literal meaning of passages misapply them. It is a hard, very 
hard point to be attained, to escape ignorance and prejudice in 
interpreting and using the Word. Pray humbly, earnestly, 
perseveringly ; ask for, and depend on, the gracious help and 
teaching of the Spirit ; but beware of thinking, that then you 
are qualified to enter into the sense and right use of Scripture ; 
beware of that groundless notion, that God will not leave a man 
to err who has prayed, as he thinks, sincerely. If that were so, 
truly good and sincere men could not, as they continually do, 
come to opposite conclusions. The very errors, indeed, of a 
sincere man, while they will be forgiven, will be overruled for 
his good : but when the question is, how to escape error in inter- 
preting and using the Scriptures, it is obvious that something 
more than prayer is required of us. We must diligently study 
the Scriptures ; we must compare spiritual things with spiritual ; 
we must search out the primary meaning of every passage ; we 
must consider whether it has any, and what bearing, upon our- 
selves ; we must make much of the mind and judgment of the 
spiritual Church in all ages, as to the great and fundamental 
truths of Scripture ; we must suspect all new views and schemes 
which run counter to this mind of the spiritual Church ; while 
we must give all due weight to the course of Providence in 
opening to us the meaning and application of the Word. 

" These are the main principles of the Minister's consecration 
and dedication of himself to Christ, in obeying all His holy 
will, as he shall be enabled by the Divine Spirit, in the diligent 
use of means, to understand that will. 



1835—1836.] FOR THE DUTIES OF THE MINISTRY. 335 

" But how is he to discharge that Ministry which he receives 
of the Lord Jesus ? To make Him known, and all the bless- 
ings of the Covenant in Him, and to win men to embrace that 
Covenant — this is the work of the Ambassador of Christ. His 
whole Ministry, then, must tend to convince men of sin, and to 
lead them to Christ and build them up in Him. 

" On a Course of Theological Reading I can hereafter talk 
with you. As to what I may call the technicalities of the 
office, your manner of composing and delivering sermons, &c, 
I can also talk with you. The Pastoral duties, likewise — your 
visiting and personal intercourse with the people—may be con- 
sidered hereafter. I have now touched a little on main prin- 
ciples. And may that blessed Saviour, who has called so many 
of your family into His immediate service as Priests and 
Levites to His Church, endow you with His choicest gifts and 
His abundant grace I" 

In the spring of 1835 Mr. Pratt took occasion, from 
his son s appointment to the Tuesday evening Lecture- 
ship at St. Lawrence's, to resign that for the Wednes- 
day evening, which he had held since 1804. This 
weekly demand on his strength had been long felt to 
be too much for his advancing years ; and though he 
retired regretting and regretted, he felt providentially 
called to take this step for his own relief. 

Toward the close of the same year he had the 
pleasure of renewing intercourse with his old friend, 
Bishop Chase, who in the autumn arrived in England 
a second time, as Bishop of Illinois, a newly-formed 
diocese considerably west of Ohio, from which it was 
separated by the intervening State of Indiana. The 
particular ground of his present Appeal was, that 
a vast tide of population was continually pouring 
westward into the Valley of the Mississippi, for whom 



336 THE CHURCH PASTORAL- AID SOCIETY. [Chap. XVII. 



there was no spiritual provision ; and that in one 
year alone 100,000 persons had settled in the State of 
Illinois, the chief part of whom were from Great 
Britain and Ireland. He proposed to form a Theolo- 
gical Seminary, from whence a native clergy might 
go forth to minister to the spiritual wants of that vast 
population. Mr. Pratt was unable from infirmity to 
render him the same degree of active support as on 
the former occasion : but the Bishop returned to 
America with about 2000?. ; and ultimately succeeded 
in accomplishing the object of his wishes. 

Mr. Pratt had a considerable share in the formation, 
about the same time, of the Church Pastoral-Aid 
Society. He had learnt, from experience, the indis- 
pensable necessity of some better provision to meet the 
pressing wants of our dense masses of baptized Hea- 
thenism at home ; and his Missionary soul sympathized 
cordially with some of the London clergy and laity, 
who met, under the encouragement of their Diocesan, 
to form a Society for this object early in the year 
1836, under the above title. He became a subscriber 
to its funds, and took a most lively interest in its 
early struggles and its growing prosperity. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



1838—1844. 

''THE CHRISTIAN YEAR " — ERRORS OF THE TRAOTARIAN SCHOOL EXPO- 
SURES OP THEM — MR. PRATT PREACHES ON THE SUBJECT AT ST. PAUL'S — 
POLITICAL CHANGES, WITH THEIR RESULTS — ALLEVIATING AND ENCOU- 
RAGING CIRCUMSTANCES — TRACTARIANISM MORE DEVELOPED, AND 

WORKS WRITTEN IN ANSWER TO IT KRISHNAGHUR — THE EVANGELICAL 

ALLIANCE — SECESSION FROM THE SCOTCH CHURCH THE CHURCH MIS- 
SIONARY SOCIETY CONTINUES STEDFAST TO ITS PRINCIPLES — THE ARCH- 
BISHOP OF CANTERBURY AND THE BISHOP OF LONDON JOIN THE 
SOCIETY. 

The decided and uncompromising view which Mr. 
Pratt took of the errors of the Tractarian School, and 
the readiness with which his discerning mind detected 
the real evils of their system from its commencement, 
have been already noticed. He had already, indeed, 
for several years before its appearance, been in the 
habit of cautioning his friends against what he consi- 
dered to be the insidious poison of one very popular 
volume. Had it not been for the beauty of its poetry, 
and the sacredness of its subjects, " The Christian 
Year " could never have won so many ardent admirers 
among those who now entirely disapprove of the 
school whence it emanated. Beneath its attractive 
and fascinating dress, he detected a spirit of formalism 
and unsound doctrine : and he well knew that all this, 
if allowed to get possession of the mind, must lead 
to a grievous perversion of the Gospel. Little, however, 



338 



ERRORS OF THE 



[Chap. XVIII. 



did he suspect at that early period,* what a " deep 
conspiracy against the truth" was before long to rise 
up from this very quarter. The author of this work 
was one of a small band, who, in the summer of 
1833 — as we are informed eight years later by one of 
their number f — formed themselves into a Society for 
the express purpose of laying down, and inculcating 
in every way in their power, those pernicious and 
dangerous errors, which are now well known as the 
fundamental tenets of the Tractarian School. During 
these last years of Mr. Pratt's life, he scarcely ever wrote 
a letter without adverting to the progress of this new 
system. Thus, in waiting to the Bishop of Calcutta 
in September, 1838, after making some remarks upon 
the character of a friend, he says : — 

" He has none of the Popish fripperies and solemn nonsense, 
which have burst upon us from the fanatics of Oriel College and 
Christ Church. Ah ! that opens an alarming subject. ' There 
must be heresies among you, that they which are approved may 
be made manifest among you' That process is going on among 
us ; and the disclosures are painful indeed. Numbers of the 
students and younger Clergy are becoming formalists and 
devotees ; and the leaven is working to an extent among those 
who are older, which discovers the lean and withered condition 
of the Church in quarters where a better state was presumed. 
God is, however, raising up defenders of His truth ; and in 
the end the truth will, no doubt, shine forth with increased 
lustre ; but in the meanwhile many blossoms fall off, and 
much promising fruit is nipped and stunted. What youth, 



* " The Christian Year" was published in 1827. 
t See Rev. G. S. Faber's " Provincial Letters." 



1838.] 



TRACTARIAN SCHOOL. 



339 



hardly conversant with any theology beyond the first elements, 
and little awakened to his need of mercy and grace, can bear 
to be sent forth with the assurance that, by virtue of his external 
call, he, and he only, in conjunction with such as have had the 
like call, can ' create and minister to the people the true body 
and blood of Christ V He cannot, without a miracle of grace, 
escape the snares of the devil. This school, which seems to 
me to have had its birth in the spirit which was kindled some 
years since and breathed forth in Keble's mystified poetry, is 
now attempting to undermine and pervert every distinguishing 
doctrine of the Gospel. The deep conspiracy formed against 
the truth, has been so audaciously disclosed in a late work 
(Froude's ' Remains'), that it cannot well be that the voice of 
Authority should be still silent in the Church, on an evil 
which threatens her ruin far more than any assault on her 
endowments. 

" But all ecclesiastical history teems with this mischief. 
God will humble the sinner and exalt His own glory. Most 
men refuse all submission. If led by any thing short of con- 
verting grace to profess to seek God, the heart is still withheld 
from Him; and will have nothing to do with any religion 
which is not, under some of a thousand guises, all to be 
resolved into self." 

A few days later he writes again : — 

******* 

" The will of God is working its mighty way on the earth, 
and we are all, consciously or unconsciously, taking our places 
in the fulfilment of that will. Oh, to be right with God, how 
great the mercy ! If wrong, He will still use us, but we ( lose 
our reward.' Many are wrong here [in England], and their 
number fearfully increases. Not, I suppose, that error prevails 
much against those who had an intelligent knowledge of the 
truth, but it runs with wildfire rapidity among the superficial, 
the ignorant, the ceremonious, the self-righteous ; and makes 
sad disclosures of our weakness to those who have ill-will at 

z 2 



340 



TRACTARIAN ERRORS. 



[Chap. XVIII. 



our Zion. So it must be, at present at least. * * * * Dr. 
Pusey, and his chief associates, are the very men most likely 
to effect the mischief which we deprecate, by their power of 
'darkening counsel by words without knowledge" But they 
shall proceed no further than our Heavenly Master will per- 
mit, to His own glory. While, however, this shameless system 
directly tends to rob Him of His glory (see the Editor of 
Froude's f Remains ' in the wretched apology which he makes 
for Froude's never once naming in a series of papers the 
blessed Saviour), it is highly incumbent on the chief shepherds 
of the flock boldly to denounce the stealthy approaches of the 
wolf against the fold, and to cast out the diseased sheep. 

" We are looking for this with anxiety ; and cannot but feel, 
with some fear, that the flatteries of the Episcopal and Clerical 
Orders, with which the system abounds, are deadening those 
senses which ought to be quick in discerning good and evil. 

" May God shew to them that be in error the light of His 
truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righte- 
ousness !" 

In writing to his younger son, who had recently left 
England for India, he enters more into particulars 
upon the doctrinal errors, and detects some of the 
subtleties of the system : — 

" You know my views of the great and interminable subjects 
of grace and free-will, of God's sovereignty, and man's account- 
ableness. Shut up these awful points where Scripture has 
shut them up, but speak on them all as the Scripture speaks. 
Were the questions now awakened limited to the discipline of 
the Church, they might be left to their own level ; but they 
affect the vitals. The tendency, and I think the design of this 
agitation is to form another way of salvation, beguiling unstable 
souls by the use of the old terms, but meaning by those terms 
quite different things ; while they rob the Lord Jesus of the 
glory of the sinner's justification, and the blessed Spirit of the 



1833.] 



EXPOSURES OF THEM. 



341 



glory of his sanctification, and connect these with the outward 
acts of sacramental observance. Here is the wiliness of the 
Serpent ! Here are the depths and devices of Satan ! Here 
is the pretended ( angel of light !' Oh, let us consider well 
how much and plainly our Lord Himself, and His Holy 
Apostles, especially St. Paul, speak of the devil's working on 
men by error. We shall dread and hate error more than we 
do, and be more keen than we are in detecting it in its even 
distant approaches, when we rightly estimate its power as an 
instrument of evil. Salvation by grace through faith, 
as understood from the Scriptures by our Church, is the 
truth as it is in jesus. Almost the only value of tradition 
is, that it testifies this truth in its saving power to have been 
the distinguishing characteristic of the wise and good of every 
age of the Church. On this, in all its bearings and influence, 
let us expatiate with our brethren of every name, and in this 
let us rejoice together ; and for this let us contend earnestly." 

This outburst of error was so little anticipated by 
the members of the Church in general, that some 
delay ensued before any counter publications issued 
from the press. Time was required for a careful 
examination of a system which appeared to be so 
complete in its parts, and came recommended, more- 
over, by the authority of learning, and of names 
hitherto held in esteem. Pamphlets and Reviews, 
after a while, took up the subject ; but one of the first 
and ablest which took the field against the new theo- 
logians was the Periodical, with the origination and 
early editorship of which Mr. Pratt himself (as we 
have seen*) had so much connection, the "Christian 



See Chap. I. p. 11. 



342 



TRACTARIAN ERRORS. [Chap. XVIII. 



Observer." The volumes of that publication from 
1837 and onwards contain the most masterly exposures 
of the writings and proceedings of the Tractarians. 
Hence he speaks of himself, writing to his son, as 

" Confirmed in the feeling, which has been awakened long 
and from many quarters, that we are now in a most impor- 
tant crisis of the world. It is quite impossible that we, agents 
and patients ourselves in this great turmoil, should be able 
to appreciate the full value of our own doings or sufferings 
in relation to things around us or things which are to come ; 
but if ever the duty of continued action, directed to the sole 
glory of God, according to Scripture truth and heavenly wisdom, 
with simple faith and fervent prayer — if ever this duty were 
loudly sounded in our ears, it is now." 

Another of the earliest defenders of the truth in 
opposition to these errors, was the Bishop of Calcutta. 
In his Charge of 1838, he entered into an examination 
of Mr. Keble's monstrous position, that Tradition is a 
joint and co-ordinate Rule of Faith with Holy Scrip- 
ture. 

" Accept my thanks," writes Mr. Pratt, " for your late 
Charge. Your highly seasonable and effective rebuke of the 
more than semi-popish errors of the Oxford schismatics God 
will bless, in His mercy, I trust, to the staying of the progress 
of that plague." 

And again, a few months later : — 

"You will see my cordial acquiescence in your views of 
Tradition, by the insertion of them in the July ' Missionary 
Register.' We are much indebted to you for them. You are 
thus helping us at home, while you are standing at the front of 
the battle in India." 



1838.] 



MR. PRATT PREACHES AT ST. PAUL'S. 



343 



Nor did he lose any opportunity himself of entering 
his solemn protest in public against these innovations. 

" To-morrow fortnight/' he writes to his son, Sept. 28, 1839, 
" I am appointed by the Bishop of London to preach at St. 
Paul's. I intend, as our Lord shall be pleased to enable me, 
to ( contend earnestly for the faith, which was once delivered 
to the saints' (which I purpose to make the text), by shewing 
(1) The Supreme authority of that Book in which the Faith is 
delivered to us : (2) The One and Only Method of Restora- 
tion to the favour of God, revealed to us therein : and (3) The 
only Method of Restoration to His Image. This will give 
occasion to strike at the root of the three capital errors of 
Popery and Puseyism. While Puseyism professes to detest 
Popery, it does nothing more than repudiate some of its more 
glaring and abominable tenets, while it attempts to lead back 
the Reformed and really Apostolic Church to those prolific 
seeds and principles of error which were sown even in the days 
of the Apostles, and germinated and shot forth with fearful 
power in the Primitive Church of the second and third centu- 
ries (see 1 Tim. iv. 1 — 5); and 'when he that letted and 
hindered was taken out of the way,' soon put in his place the 
spiritual tyrant (2 Thess. ii. 1 — 12). But 'all power is given 
to me in heaven and earth.' " 

This Sermon was published under the title of 
iC Perverted Tradition the Bane of the Church." 

Concurrent with the unhappy religious movement 
which was now invading the Church, the spirit of 
reckless agitation which the Reform Bill brought 
with it was still shaking the political world. " God 
has a controversy with us/' was the opinion of Mr. 
Pratt, " as a Church and a Nation. He is raising up 
enemies against both. Our civil, political, and reli- 



344 



TRACTARIAN ERRORS. 



[Chap. XVIII. 



gious state is fearful." He tells the Bishop of Cal- 
cutta : — 

" It is become almost a moot-point with many of us, what 
party in the State we should wish to take the lead. The 
Ministerialists have been so overruled, under the force of the 
various and even contradictory influences which have acted 
upon them, that we have to bless God for appointments and 
measures, favourable to the cause of truth and righteousness, 
beyond our hopes. But the spirit of liberalism, which let fall 
these advantages by the way, has laid the foundation of incal- 
culable evil ; and is on its headlong and reckless course toward 
absolute anarchy, moral and social. It is the working of the 
infernal spirit in the children of disobedience." 

And after recurring to the false remedy which the 
Tractarian party were urging, he proceeds ; — 

" All these professed attempts to curb and restrain the 
demon, by investing the Church with the attributes of Divinity, 
are but another form of Satan's working, which tend directly to 
promote his cause, by blunting or destroying the only weapons 
of salvation by grace through faith, the gift of God, by which 
the kingdom and works of the devil can be subverted in the 
world, or in the heart and life of any individual sinner. 

" We are fallen, indeed, on the old controversy which has 
been waged from the beginning. The apostate and the 
believing races, with Cain or Abel at the head of each, have 
ever divided the world. The same proud self-sufficiency, and 
the same grateful submission to God, as characterized, respec- 
tively, these first brothers of the old world, have been, in all 
succeeding ages, the distinguishing and prevailing characteris- 
tics, under every variety of form, of the enemies and the servants 
of God. The Scribes and Pharisees have their exact counter- 
part in the Traditionists of the Christian Church, in whom 
Satan's devices wrought fatally and widely long before the 



1839.] 



TRACTARIAN ERRORS. 



345 



Apostles themselves left the world : so that it is part of the 
commendation of the Church of Ephesus — ' Thou hast tried 
them, which say they are Apostles, and are not ; and hast found 
them liars.' Is it any wonder, then, that every declaration and 
opinion of the next age, and every succeeding age, should, 
with scrupulous care and pious earnestness, be brought to the 
test of that standard which holy men of God, who spake as 
they were moved by the Holy Ghost, have formed or attested ? 

"Dark clouds are gathering over our beloved Church ; and 
they are blackened by the mists and fogs which are rising up 
from among ourselves. No sweeping gale crosses their waves 
and drives them away. Our dear Bishop of Chester boldly 
and perseveringly exposes and puts to shame the falsehoods and 
mystifications with which our Church is now assaulted and 
beguiled, by dishonest men who live on her food and wear her 
garb, and have sworn to be her sons and servants, while they 
lift up the heel against her. * * * Disaffection, indifference, 
or fear, has suppressed testimony against these evils to such an 
extent, that the Tractarians have been emboldened to develope 
their 'conspiracy' with a rapidity surprising to themselves. 
Froude's wretched ' Remains ' gave such a shock to public 
feeling, that the more wary of the conspirators feared that they 
had too much presumed on that feeling ; but a very short time 
sees these very men coming forward far beyond even Froude. 
Yet there is a strong desire, on the part especially of the intel- 
ligent members of the Church, clerical and lay, to see the truth 
firmly and boldly vindicated. Archdeacon Pott delivered 
lately an admirable Charge, at St. Sepulchre's, in vindication 
of the Sole Rule of Faith, which met the cordial approbation, 
as I have reason to believe, of all the clergy most competent 
to judge." 

Shortly after this the Conservatives came into 
power; and, happily, the fears entertained of their 
being likely to extend their favour to the Tractarian 



346 



MINISTERIAL CHANGES. 



[Chap. XVIII. 



movement were not realized. On the 31st of August, 
1841, Mr. Pratt writes :— 

"We are undergoing mighty changes. Yesterday the 
Ministry resigned. The formation of a new Ministry does 
not excite much anxiety, as the principal members have long 
been known. The bearing of the new Cabinet on the Church 
is a fit subject for our thoughts and prayers. Newman, in the 
' British Critic,' is writing so offensively of Sir Robert Peel, 
that we can account for it only on the supposition, that the 
schismatics have ascertained that the Conservative Government 
will not favour them. * * * * The venality of the public 
journals, and the recklessness of public men, drive us out to 
sea. Yet our anchor holds ! A mighty work is to be done — 
our own degraded and half atheistic masses are to be upturned 
and purified — the busy, eager, ungodly, sensual, pleasure- 
taking world of the middle and upper orders are to be brought 
to God — the nations are to be converted ; even China seems to 
be opening. Oh ! how does every step of the providence 
and grace of our God call us to live on Christ — to cleave to 
Him with purpose of heart — to labour for Him, that we may 
die in Him 1" 

Five months later he writes again : — 

" We have had many fears concerning the present Ministers. 
The leaning of Conservatism is naturally toward things as they 
have been, and to be slow and reluctant in admitting change. 
Attachment to the Church in its secular character, as connected 
with the State, inclines the mind to the strengthening of the 
power of the Church in temporal matters ; and as the new sect 
comes forward with great pretensions of recovering the Church 
to a higher system of influence and authority, it was to be 
feared that they would be at least looked on with allowance, 
if not with favour. But we begin to hope that it will not be 
so. A vacancy has occurred in the See of Chichester, by the 



1841.] 



TOKENS FOR GOOD. 



347 



unexpected death of the lately-appointed Bishop, Dr. Shuttle- 
worth; and we are rejoiced at the prompt nomination of Dr. 
Gilbert, the Principal of Brasenose, to the See. * * * * 
I wish Mr. Gladstone were not a member of the Government. 
As a man of talent and industry, he has weight ; and though 
he is a man of religious feeling, yet his fallacious views of 
' the Churcli lead him deplorably astray." 

There were, however, in these dangerous times not 
a few tokens for good, which he marked with gratitude 
and thankfulness. 

"We witness," he said, "a manifest preparation for the 
triumph of the Truth. The authority of every thing opposed 
to that of Scripture is weakening. The Fathers of the Christian 
Church are undergoing an ordeal which will settle for ever 
their true value. Tradition is submitted to a trial, before 
which its use as a witness and its abuse as an authority are 
clearly severed. The preference of any thing, intellectual or 
physical, to the life of faith and love is demonstrating its own 
folly. Assumption of undue authority is detected, in whatever 
form it appears. Every system of opinions is undergoing a 
sifting. Men are driven to declare themselves. Infidelity has 
issued in the avowed Atheism of large numbers. Truth is 
brought to light from under ages of obscurity. Master minds, 
under the controul of true Religion, are lending their aid for 
the destruction of delusive error." 

And again : — 

" While the fearful signs of the times weigh heavily on the 
minds of thoughtful men, yet the eye of faith can, in these 
gathering storms and the present outbursts of the tempest, see 
on the darkest clouds the appointed sign of the faithfulness of 
a Covenant God — beaming out, now and then, even with 
splendour. It pleases Him remarkably to set things discou- 
raging and encouraging one against another." 



348 



KRISHNAGHUR. 



[Chap. XVIII. 



And in a letter to the Bishop of Calcutta, after 
enumerating some of the crying evils of the day, he 
adds : — 

" There are, however, better things among us. Revivals of 
religion, of the most solid kind, are taking place in Scotland, 
while India shews us, to our great joy, that the grace of the 
Holy Spirit is not restrained." 

Intelligence of an important outburst of inquiry 
among the natives of Bengal, in and around the 
Missions of the Society for Propagating the Gospel 
south of Calcutta, had hardly reached England and 
been generally made known, when similar tidings 
arrived of a movement of the same description in the 
Church Missionary Society's Bengal Mission, a few 
miles to the north. 

" Krishnaghur," he continues, " is but a repetition and 
augmentation of Janjera and Barripore, only just made known 
among us. We must view these things, indeed, with chastened 
feelings ; but when one Society after another, in very distant 
fields of labour, is so highly privileged as to witness a work, 
which, however close upon it may follow the malignant efforts 
of Satan to mar and disgrace it, cannot but be deemed by 
every true Christian to be of God, we are loudly called on to 
thank God and take courage. In all probability this work will 
greatly subside : but it will revive again ; if not in the same 
spot, yet elsewhere : so that though the tide of grace may ebb 
so far as to check the hope of its returning, it will return, and 
will gain something beyond the last flow. If we look beyond 
our own circle, and take in the whole field of the world, there 
is even far more to encourage than to damp." 

In the same tone he writes to his son, shortly 
after :— 



1840.] 



KRISHNAGHUR. 



349 



" We are full of the glad tidings from Krishnaghur. Expect, 
however, all that the malignant Spirit may be permitted to do. 
Yet if trials and discouragements arise, the work will revive, 
or break out elsewhere. It looks as though our Heavenly 
Master designed to awaken attention and to encourage zeal 
and perseverance, by these showers of grace on different parts 
of the Missionary field. Americans, Wesleyans, London 
Society's Missionaries, Gospel-Propagation Missionaries, and 
others in less degree, have enjoyed the abundant blessing ! 
His holy will be done ! His kingdom come ! " 

At a later date, when the first excitement of the 
awakening at Krishnaghur had abated, and time had 
been allowed for a closer examination into the motives 
which had actuated so many to renounce the religion 
of their fathers, he writes again : — 

" The late communications relative to that Mission go very 
much to satisfy us that the work there is real and of God ; 
while its progress, and even its stability, depend, under the 
grace of the Holy Spirit, very greatly on the wise, fatherly, 
patient, forbearing, yet firm and steady conduct of the Missio- 
naries. I am reminded very much of Johnson and his Regent's 
Town Liberated Africans : while he lived (a tender and com- 
passionate father among them, teaching them like little 
children to go, taking them by their arms — Hos. xi. 3, 4 — reco- 
vering them if they tottered and lifting them if they fell, but 
suffering no sin upon them) they prospered, and shewed satis- 
factory evidence of the grace of God upon them ; but when 
new teachers came, though excellent men yet not in their con- 
fidence nor with the parental spirit of Johnson, they fell into 
such confusion, that the former apparent work seemed to have 
been much in semblance only : yet afterward it revived and 
recovered, so as to prove there was a real and abiding influence 
and power of God upon his labours." 



350 CONCLUSION OF WAR WITH CHINA. [Chap. XVIII. 

His long and intimate acquaintance with Missionary 
operations gave a peculiar value to the opinions here 
expressed ; and time has shewn that both his fears 
and hopes have been thus far fully realized. 

Encouraging tidings also of another kind soon 
arrived from the East, which greatly relieved his 
mind, and promised to open a new and wide door for 
Missionary effort. 

"November 23, 1842. 
" Yesterday's mail from France brought us a telegraphic 
notice of the conclusion of the war in China. We greatly 
rejoice. The news takes a load off my mind. I am not satis- 
fied that the war was just on our part. As the [East-India] 
Company had a monopoly from Government of the growth 
of opium, and this opium was imported into China, in fact 
smuggled, contrary to the desires of the Chinese Government, 
the destruction of the opium appears to have been no just cause 
of war, unless the Chinese Government had vitiated its own 
decrees by officially winking at its importation. Then the 
slaughter by thousands, and almost myriads, of the people was 
most painful. Whatever be the moral state of the question, I 
pray our great Lord and Master to pardon the sin of all, and 
to overrule and direct all for His own glory. You will have 
known the terms before we did, I presume. Here is certainly, 
by these terms, an access opened to civilized nations into 
China, such as has never been before attained." 

Among other encouraging features of the times Mr. 
Pratt placed, as we have already seen, the discoun- 
tenance which the rulers of the State gave to the 
Tractarian party. In addition to this, we may now 
add the rapid development, and therefore detection 
by many who had hitherto halted between two opi- 



1842.] 



TRACT ARIANISM REFUTED. 



351 



nions, of the real tendency of the whole system. The 
symptoms of the inveterate disease were becoming 
more and more apparent to thinking men. 

To the Rev. J. II. Pratt 

"January, 1842. 

" The attempt of Newman, in Tract No. 90, to pervert the 
obvious sense of the Articles, so as to allow of a man's con- 
scientiously subscribing these Articles, and yet believing the 
doctrines against which they were expressly directed, is an act 
of unprincipled Jesuitism which has startled many on the brink 
of the precipice to which they had been insensibly beguiled. 
Charges, and sermons, and pamphlets, are issued against this 
pestilent heresy, and volumes are now following. Besides the 
able volume of Bishop M'llvaine in America, chiefly on the 
new or revived errors of Justification, our friend the Rev. 
William Goode has just published, in two volumes, of 664 and 
802 pages respectively, on the Divine Rule of Faith and Prac- 
tice, in which he has handled at large all the chief parts of the 
controversy. Bishop Meade, of Virginia, was in London last 
summer, and rendered Mr. Goode advice and assistance in this 
work ; and considered it so conclusive, that he promoted the 
preparation of an edition of it in the United States as it pro- 
ceeded in the press in this country, which edition is now 
issued or about to issue there. I am reading the work, and 
greatly rejoice in it. The argument is often not so lucid and 
plain as might be wished ; but it is a storehouse of unanswer- 
able reasonings, and searches every part of the subject." 

It was an early boast of the leaders of this move- 
ment — and one which no doubt induced many, who 
afterwards forsook them, to look favourably upon 
their plans — that their only desire was to bring back 
our Church, in its doctrine and practice, to the model 
of that of the primitive age. But it speedily appeared 



352 



TRACTARIANISM AND POPERY. [Chap. XVIII. 



that their model age was very far indeed from that of 
primitive Christianity. 

No more significant indication of the end to which 
the movement was hurrying on its advocates could 
have been given, than their appeal to that fruitful 
seed-plot of Popish error — the fourth and fifth cen- 
turies. 

To the Bishop of Calcutta, 

" August 29, 1842. 

" Ignorance of the Gospel, with the accompanying worldli- 
ness of a great body of the Clergy, and the enmity of numbers 
of them to the distinguishing doctrines and the converting and 
spiritual power of the truth as it is in Jesus, have long pre- 
pared many for any system which should plausibly free men 
from the obligation of their just views of religion, and enable 
them to unite and settle down in a system more conformable to 
the views and feelings of the fallen man. This system stands 
forth perfect in all its parts, in that Apostacy which is the most 
subtle and determined enemy of the kingdom and subjects of 
our Lord Jesus Christ. For though Popery makes large 
demands on the outward man, its compensations are so invalu- 
able to the unrenewed man, as to make it the religion which he 
desires, if he must have any religion at all. 

" The tendency of Tractarianism to Popery is everywhere 
seen. In its essence it is Popery. Its rule of faith and duty 
is the same, for both interpret and control Scripture by the 
traditions and opinions of uninspired men : and acceptance 
with God is held, by both Popery and Tractarianism, to be on 
the ground of man's righteousness made perfect by the righte- 
ousness of Christ; and so with an utter confusion of Justifica- 
tion and Sanctification, and with the rejection of that which is 
the great glory of the Gospel." 

It was the dread he entertained of any system tend- 



1842.] 



TRACTARIAN ERRORS. 



353 



ing in the least to obscure and subvert the great doc- 
trine of salvation by grace alone, through faith, which 
was the ground of this decided hostility to Tracta- 
rianism. 

" All the discussions," he tells a friend in Norfolk, " about 
forms, and dress, and buildings, and even rubrics, are lighter 
than a feather, compared with the fatal error which pervades 
the wretched system, in common with Popery, of substituting 
any form or measure of man's righteousness, for justification 
before God, in the place of the perfect righteousness of Christ 
imputed to us, and received by a faith which is of the Holy 
Spirit's operation in us." 

While, however, he took this decided view of the 
great question, and unsparingly condemned the funda- 
mental principles upon which it was based, as bring- 
ing in (to use the Apostle's language) " another gospel, 
which is not another," he yielded to no one as an 
unflinching advocate for a constant adherence to the 
discipline and order of his own Church. While he 
spoke of Tractarianism as being " the old question 
between Spiritual and Formal Religion," he added : — 

" Many, indeed, who rank justly with the spiritual body 
may yet learn more consistency in the use of forms ; while, 
among those who rank with the other division, there are many, 
I doubt not, who are spiritual men. But the danger of the 
question in these days is, that error is put forth in such a 
plausible guise, and is so wrapped up and mystified, and is 
made to appeal so strongly to the weakness, and vanity, and 
self-righteousness, and love of distinction, and worldliness of 
the carnal heart, that it runs swiftly, and mightily prevails, 
because it falls on congenial materials wherever it goes." 

A A 



354 



APPOINTMENT OF RURAL DEANS. [Chap. XVIII. 



And on another occasion, when witnessing in a 
country parish the adoption of plans of enlarged use- 
fulness, he writes ; — 

" Things are tending, I trust, to a good issue, in this respect, 
in our Church. The ultra zeal for externals, which has so 
violently come over many minds, will put the more discerning 
and spiritual Churchmen on more attention than they have 
been wont to pay to the rubrical provisions of the Church. 
Much may be done in this way for real edification, and for the 
attainment of greater uniformity, without exciting wonder by 
reviving practices which have fallen into desuetude, or by 
indulging unauthorized and ridiculous fancies." 

In the same spirit he viewed the recently-revived 
practice of appointing Rural Deans. This practice he 
thus commends, pointing out, at the same time, the 
dangers to be guarded against : — • 

" The Clergy are coming together into more frequent Meet- 
ings in Rural Deaneries, &c, to confer on the more external 
matters of their parishes. This is very good, so far as it goes, 
and if it does not set aside more spiritual intercourse. If the 
Meetings of the Clergy are all to become official and formal 
Meetings, it will greatly weaken the Church's main point of 
support — the faith and love of her Ministers. There must be 
a communion with one another, in those matters of inward 
experience, in which unconverted men cannot share. No 
agreement in outward order and discipline, or in the manage- 
ment of schools and the support of Societies, can take away the 
distinction which exists between the converted and the uncon- 
verted. And while modesty and humility, and an endeavour 
to win others by courteousness and kindness, will mark the true 
servant of Christ, he will be on his guard against being drawn 
by false charity to think others may stand with safety on a 



1843.] 



PLYMOUTH BRETHREN. 



355 



lower level of doctrine and experience, than that on which he 
has been brought to stand." 

His steady attachment to order and discipline in 
the Church, appears also in the view in which he 
took of measures which seemed to endanger their 
proper maintenance. For instance, of a new body of 
persons calling themselves " Plymouth Brethren" he 
thus speaks : — 

" This Brethrenism seems the quintessence of Dissociality : 
all other bodies are to merge in theirs ; and every individual 
member, under a pretext of closest union, asserts and follows 
whatever opinions he pleases : at least so it appears in practice." 

And again : — 

"This search after i Optimism' is, I fear, inseparably con- 
nected with an undue estimate of self, and an uncharitable 
judgment concerning others. May our merciful Lord keep us 
from all error! May He be graciously with these, in our 
judgment, wanderers from the plain path, and guide their 
steps, if not back again to the way marked { by the footsteps 
of the ' greater body of the e flock,' yet safely to His heavenly 
kingdom !" 

From the same cause — his sense of the necessity of 
order and discipline for the preservation of peace and 
union in the Church — he entertained strong doubts of 
the ultimate success of the efforts which some excel- 
lent persons began to make, about 1843, for bringing 
together Christians of all denominations, who agree on 
certain general principles, in an Evangelical Alliance, 
and could not be prevailed upon to join in the 
attempt. 

A A 2 



3a6 



EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE. 



[Chap. XVIII. 



To the Rev. J. H. Pratt. 

" August 28, 1843. 

" Good men of almost all denominations, except the Church, 
are making strenuous efforts to form a closer union with one 
another, on the common principles on which Evangelical Chris- 
tians agree. About thirty Ministers — Wesleyans, Indepen- 
dents, Baptists, Scottish Churchmen, and Scottish Seceders, 
&c. — have called a Meeting at Exeter Hall for the 1st of June. 
One Clergyman only has given his name. We wish well 
heartily to the plan, and hope that it may please God to enable 
them to realize the union thus spoken of in their first two 
Resolutions: ' 1st, That this Meeting is fully persuaded that 
real and essential unity exists among all the children of God ; 
and that being united to Christ, they are, in principle and affec- 
tion, united to each other by the Spirit of Christ. 2d, That this 
Meeting is therefore convinced of the duty and practicability 
of rendering visible the union of all who hold the Head, Jesus 
Christ, the Lord, notwithstanding the diversity of their opinions 
and practice with regard to minor points of faith and ritual 
observance; and that the state of theological controversy, 
Missionary operations, and public sentiments at the present 
time, renders it peculiarly desirable to attempt the furtherance 
of such a Union.' 

" But it is these very circumstances of the day which will 
prevent the real Churchmen — those who faithfully hold the 
fundamental doctrines of the Church, and drink into her spirit 
— from forming common cause in any external union with those 
who are not of our communion : for such union would weaken 
their hands, in raising a barrier against that torrent of heresy 
and superstition, which threatens to sweep away the Church 
itself. A real, and godly, and unsectarian union among parties 
not of the Church, would give great strength and support to the 
people of God in the Church, who are united to true believers 
of every name throughout the world by a bond which will fix 



1843.] 



EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE. 



357 



them in one blessed company, when all grounds of difference 
shall be done away for ever." 

An extract from another letter, of an earlier date, 
will shew one of the chief reasons why he could not 
see his way to unite in the attempt to form an 
external alliance of the kind now proposed. 

To the Bishop of Calcutta. 

"September, 1838. 
" We are loudly called on, by the state of things around, to 
be united in love as members of the same Church ; but this 
spirit of error, which has broken in upon us, tends to further 
jealousies and divisions. May it please God to overrule this 
state of things to the drawing more closely together of all who 
really hold the doctrines of grace, however they may differ in 
expression. Men, truly taught by the blessed Spirit their need 
of Christ and His suitableness to all their need, have a ground 
for mutual forbearance and love which no difference of opinion 
or pursuit should take from under them. The Catholic Eman- 
cipation (so called), with all its consequences and subsequents, 
has led, under the awful control of the Divine Hand, to a state 
of public concerns most truly awakening. Our Dissenting 
Brethren have been injured by these things incalculably. They 
were led to believe, by their sanguine politicians, that they 
might attain, by a right use of their great strength, the perfect 
equality of all religious communities among us as to any sup- 
port from the State : and this they were taught to consider as 
a consummation most devoutly to be wished, for the interests 
of the cause of God. Under this fallacious notion, almost all, 
even of the most staid and sober among them, were brought to 
think, that they were doing God an acceptable service in 
utterly subverting the United Church. But they have been led 
too fast and too far. They have exposed their weakness as a 
political body, and have deeply injured their spirituality as a 



358 



SECESSION FROM THE 



[Chap. XVIII. 



Christian body. All this renders intercourse with them more 
difficult." 

In March, 1844, he wrote on the same subject to the 
Bishop of Calcutta. After touching on the various 
anxious questions which were exercising the minds of 
Christians at home, he says : — 

" In the midst of these things, there is a manifest gathering 
of men and hearts round the Christian centre of truth and love. 
The want of more outward union among all the children of 
God is felt and lamented by multitudes, and endeavours are 
making in various quarters to bring about recognized union of 
spirit, where further union is not yet practicable. But we do 
not seem ripe for this. Perhaps it will be trouble and suffering 
alone, which will be a uniting cement of sufficient power, to 
hold together in any outward union all who are united in heart. 
There is, however, a silent and observable approximation 
toward truth and love among the true servants of God. They 
feel that there is nothing solid and enduring but that hold on 
Christ, which is the badge and the distinguishing feature of 
those who are brethren. Every thing else passes away." 

Upon another and a greater question — the Secession 
from the Church of Scotland — he gave an opinion 
which was formed under the same high sense of the 
duty, of making every lawful effort to maintain the 
peace and order of the Church. 

In writing to a friend in New York, he thus touches 
on this question : — 

" It is plain to the enlightened eye that God is trying, by 
His dispensations, tlje spirits of men. Take Scotland for 
example. The Secession from the Established Presbyterian 
Church appears, at first view, a noble sacrifice to conscience. 
The undoubted soundness of mind and piety in Chalmers 



1844.] 



CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. 



359 



seems to preclude all question of the wisdom and goodness of 
the measure. 

" But if the step be really good, the tone of godly charity 
which pervaded the first address of the first Moderator was 
soon changed in the organs of the Secession into bitterness ; 
and something like rancour appears on both sides. But calmer 
observation leads many to view the Secession as founded on a 
state of things, which not only did not render it necessary to 
the preservation of a good conscience, but even makes it par- 
take something of schism, for it seems that the concessions 
made are such as to leave the questions in the decision of the 
Presbytery ; but the seceders will not be content, unless all be 
referred to the body of the people. Having taken the decisive 
step, they are under temptation to justify and commend that 
step by exaggerated views of what may have been wrong, and 
depreciation of what is really good, in the concessions made." 

He writes in the same strain to the Bishop of 
Calcutta : — 

" The Secession from the Established Church of Scotland 
was, I believe, a noble sacrifice to what was conscientiously 
considered to be absolute duty ; but I cannot yet feel convinced 
that the sacrifice was called for by a right view of duty : yet 
we must honour the men. May God in mercy guide us in all 
difficult circumstances and trials which may await us !" 

Amongst the few religious Institutions which did 
not suffer more or less from the sifting ordeal of the 
times, was the Church Missionary Society. Although 
the leaven of Tractarianism had spread its influence 
with alarming rapidity over a large portion of the 
Church, it did not reach the counsels of this body. 
The Executive were, through God's mercy, preserved 
even from the suspicion of favouring the new opinions. 



360 



THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY [Chap. XVIII. 



They invariably stood aloof from that treacherous 
indifference, which, by heedlessly admitting the ap- 
proaches of the enemy unobserved, betrays the post 
which should have been defended with watchfulness. 
From the very formation of the Society, its spirit and 
conduct have always been characterized by a godly 
jealousy for the simplicity of evangelical truth. The 
maintenance of this spirit in a body with which Mr. 
Pratt's life and labours had been so much identified, 
gave him peculiar delight. "The Church Missionary 
Society," he writes to his son in 1841, " is becoming 
more than ever the refuge of Apostolical and Reformed 
Truth ; and, by the grace of God, it shall so continue." 
And a year later : — u The Church Missionary Society 
is become the refuge of pure doctrine in the Church. 
It alters not. Where we find her in her First Report, 
there we find her in her Forty-second." 

But this steady consistency was not maintained 
without undergoing more than one severe ordeal. 

The external form which the hostility to the Society 
now assumed, was based upon a supposed deficiency 
in ecclesiastical order and discipline. It was asserted, 
that an error of vital importance was to be found in 
its constitution, which did not attach to the other 
kindred Society in the Church. That Society was 
held forth as a model to which the Church Missionary 
Society ought to conform, if it expected the continued 
support of consistent Churchmen. This was urged by 
Dr. Pusey in two sermons, preached at Weymouth in 
behalf of the Society for Propagating the Gospel, and 
afterwards published with an Appendix, in which he 



1841.] 



UNALTERED IN PRINCIPLE. 



361 



charges the Church Missionary Society with having 
impeded the operations of the ecclesiastical system in 
India, and attempts to substantiate his charge by a 
series of partial quotations from the published letters 
of Bishop Middleton. A reference to these letters is 
sufficient to refute this unjust inference, and to confirm 
the view already given of the difficulties alluded to, in 
a former Chapter.* 

Other attempts were likewise made, about the same 
period, to damage the high reputation which the Society 
had attained, to divert its resources into other channels, 
and to impede its operations at home and abroad. 

Shortly after this, however, it was proposed, through 
the medium of the Bishop of London, to place both 
the Society for Propagating the Gospel and the Church 
Missionary Society upon a new footing, relatively to 
the Archbishops and Bishops at home ; and this was 
readily acceded to. The Archbishop of Canterbury 
and the Bishop of London then joined the Society; 
and thus was removed the pretext which many have 
urged for standing aloof from it, that the highest autho- 
rities in the Church were not among its supporters. 

Mr. Pratt notices this subject as follows 

To the Bishop of Calcutta. 

"June 30, 1841. 

" A plan is in progress to bring the Propagation and Church 
Missionary Societies into more direct and similar connection 
with the heads of the Church. The addresses of the Earl of 
Chichester and the Bishop of Winchester at the Church Missio- 



See Chapter VI. pp. 98—102. 



362 



NEGOTIATION WITH THE 



[Chap. XVIII. 



nary Anniversary, which you will find in the ' Missionary 
Register' of this month, will give your Lordship the outline. 
The Church Missionary Committee have unanimously and 
cordially adopted the suggestion of the Bishop of London, 
saving the Society's regulations and practice, of which the 
Bishop had previously expressed his approbation. It is under- 
stood that the Bishop will propose the same view to the Propa- 
gation Society. The two Societies are to continue to act as 
they now do, in entire independence of each other ; but each 
Society referring all Colonial questions of discipline, which may 
require adjusting, to the Bishops through the Archbishop of 
Canterbury. Great is the obligation upon us, of the Church 
Missionary Society, to stand firm on those principles which we 
have ever avowed and acted on ; and which are now under- 
mined, mystified, and opposed by so many. If any, who have 
been Members of the Church Missionary Society, become 
infected with these errors, they imbibe with them a natural aver- 
sion to that Society, of which the life and soul consists in the 
impugned principles. These men fall off, and some of them 
become bitter adversaries. If God, in judgment, suffer the 
body of the Clergy to imbibe this poison, our Church will 
become utterly palsied as a Church ; and the Church Missio- 
nary Society must take care (and God our Saviour, by His 
Holy Spirit, to the glory of the Eternal Father, endue her 
with all-sufficient grace to this end !) that she keep open a 
refuge of truth and love, where every true (and perhaps then 
persecuted and oppressed) member of the Church may retreat 
and retire among the company of the faithful." 

The progress of this negotiation he reports in a 
letter to his son, the following month : — 
To the Rev. J. H. Pratt. 

"July 5, 1841. 

"We of the Church Missionary Society, and the Bishop of 
London, are in a negotiation pregnant, probably, with serious 
consequences, for good or for evil, of no small magnitude. 



1341.] 



HEADS OF THE CHURCH. 



363 



The Bishop has sent us a proposition, that we shall make some 
modifications in our Society, in order to place ourselves more 
immediately in connection with the heads of the Church ; in 
which case both the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop 
would join the Society. This proposition became, of course, 
matter of serious inquiry and discussion. To-day the Com- 
mittee have come to a determination, and have resolved to 
recommend to a General Meeting of the Society, to be held on 
the 16th, the proposed modification of the Rules." 

The day after the Meeting he writes again :— 

" Our Special Meeting was held yesterday, when the Reso- 
lutions passed unanimously. They are now become Laws of 
the Society. * * * * We shall apprise the Archbishop and 
the Bishop of the proceedings, and may hope for the speedy 
addition of their names. An amendment was moved and 
seconded by some Clergymen from the country, not fully 
acquainted with the bearings of the question, that the whole 
Bench should not be made referees, but only the Archbishops 
and Bishops who might be members of the Society. But this 
led to such full and satisfactory explanations, that it was with- 
drawn, and the vote passed unanimously. A strong expression 
of disgust against the Oxford Tracts pervaded the Meeting." 

To another member of his family he writes : — 

"We have in this whole business — conducted throughout, on 
the part of the Society, with much prayer and much wisdom — 
acted faithfully in our great cause. The union formed with 
the Propagation of the Gospel Society, is a union in that which 
the order and discipline of the Church required in order to 
give us the full benefit of her sanction, so far as she can 
(without an act of Convocation) give it to us ; yet leaving us to 
the full in the independent pursuit of our course, as to all those 
views of Evangelical truth which first knit us together, and 
which are the life and soul of our body. We hope, under 



364 



NEW LAWS ENACTED 



[Chap. XVIII. 



God, to attract within our circle many real servants of Christ 
who were withheld from us by their views of Church order ; 

but we humbly hope that ive have not smoothed the way for a 
single man among us, to pass down from the high ground of 
justification through the righteousness of Christ made ours by 
faith, and of sanctification by the regenerating and renewing 
grace of the Holy Spirit, to the marshes and quagmires of 
popery and semi-popery in which too many are well-nigh 
suffocated'' 

The Resolution proposing the laws on the subject 
of reference to the Archbishops and Bishops was 
moved by Lord Ashley ; and Mr. Pratt was invited to 
second it * 

* The terms of the Resolution were these : — " That the following be the 
32nd and 33rd Laws of the Society, and that the present 32nd Law be the 
34th :' — 1 32nd. That all questions relating to matters of Ecclesiastical 
Order and Discipline, respecting which a difference shall arise between any 
Colonial Bishop and any Committee of the Society, shall be referred to 
the Archbishops and Bishops of the United Church of England and Ireland, 
whose decision thereupon shall be final/— 4 33rd. That the object of the 
preceding Law being only to provide a mode of settling questions relating 
to Ecclesiastical Order and Discipline, as to which no provision has yet been 
made by the Society, it is not to be so construed as in any other respect 
to alter the principles and practice of the Society, as they are contained in 
its Laws and Regulations, and explained in Appendix II. to the Thirty- 
ninth Report. The proposed reference shall be made through His Grace 
the Primate, by the Committee, accompanied by such explanations and 
statements as the Committee may deem advisable ; and the Committee 
will be bound so to refer all questions, falling within the scope of the 
Rule so understood as aforesaid, which the Colonial Bishop shall require 
them to refer. While all decisions of the Bench of Bishops upon questions 
so referred will be considered by the Committee as binding upon them 
and their agents or representatives, the Colonial Bishops or other Eccle- 
siastical Authorities, unless concurring in the reference, cannot properly 
be considered as so bound/ " 

The following report of Mr. Pratt's remarks, in seconding the Resolu- 
tion, are extracted from a newspaper of the day : — 

« The 



1841.] 



AT A SPECIAL MEETING. 



365 



Six days after the Meeting, he writes again to his 
son : — 

" Our proceedings have given great pleasure to the Bishop 
of London. I may as well copy a Note sent to Mr. Vores [the 

44 The Rev. Josiah Pratt, on coming forward to second the Proposition, 
was greeted with general applause. He said : — Your Lordship has stated, 
and the Noble Lord who followed you has also stated, the advantages 
which will accrue to the Society from the adoption of this Proposition, in 
such a way as to render it unnecessary for me to enter further into that 
part of the subject. Had an attempt been made, in the early days of this 
Institution, to foretel the time when such a Proposition could be submitted 
with a certainty of success, it would have been fixed at a far more distant 
period than the present. I believe I cannot recognise a single person here 
now, as having been present at the formation of this Society forty-one years 
ago ; but having had some experience in the details of the Society, I may 
say, and I am sure my beloved friends who have shared in the early 
labours of its operations will agree with me in saying, that we have felt 
the difficulty of bringing forward such a Proposition. We have had great 
jealousy exercised over us from the beginning : and to have so many 
Right Rev. Prelates connected with the Society at this period, and such 
a Proposition made by a Prelate of our Church, and of that diocese in 
which we are now assembled, is more than we could expect. But permit 
me to say, that if this arrangement were to be purchased by any sacrifice 
on the part of the Society, I would certainly demur. I have seriously 
and anxiously considered this question, for it is one that ought to be 
thoroughly examined, Whether any sacrifice ought to be required of the 
Society; more especially at this time, when it is clear that the principles 
of this Society, which are those of an Apostolical Church properly carried 
out, have been the great cause of its success? If, then, the least sacrifice 
of those principles were to be made to effect this object, I would protest 
against it, and rather leave the Society than continue in it if it were to 
lose its great characteristic and vital principle of upholding the great 
doctrine of justification by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the ground 
of a sinner's hope for salvation with God. But there is no fear of that. 
I think that the blessing of God is with the Society, and that He has led 
the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London to see that they 
are called upon, by their connection with the Church, to sanction its 
operations ; and I hope this course will not be regarded as any sacrifice, 
but as a deference paid to the honour and usefulness of the Church, and 

to 



366 THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AND [Chap. XVIII. 



Secretary], in answer to some account of the Meeting sent by 
him to His Lordship — »' I am truly rejoiced and thankful for the 
intelligence conveyed to me by your letter, which I am per- 
suaded is most important to the Church. I wish to become a 



to consistency of principle. If there were any danger in this step, I would 
not only demur, but I would oppose it. But I see none ; and, therefore, 
if my opinion may be taken, it may be safely taken. I agree with some 
of my friends here, that this proceeding is a blessing vouchsafed from God 
in answer to prayer. I will not detain the Meeting by attempting to 
describe at length the advantages which will result from this arrange- 
ment : but I may say that it will afford us a ready answer to those who 
say that we have not the sanction of the heads of the Church, and to 
many in the kingdom who have scruples which influence their minds, 
and which were doubtless early formed, about the Society, on the ground 
of its not having Episcopal authority to rest upon. No doubt there are 
many conscientious members of the Clergy, and of the laity also, who 
entertain those principles, and they will now be led to join this Society. 
I foresee that we shall gain much support that will strengthen our hands 
from these quarters. But I do not want to gain a mere formality, a mere 
acquiescence, but the hearts of those who hold our vital principles, and 
who commit their proceedings to God in fervent prayer ; those whose 
hearts are bent on the conversion of the world. I think these are some 
of the advantages which will result from the adoption of this Proposition. 
I see no danger in it. On the contrary, I think it will lead to a firm 
determination, on the part of the whole Church, to establish a better 
conduct of our Foreign Missions and Churches. I have had much corre- 
spondence with the Bishop of Calcutta, on the difficulties under which our 
Foreign Missions and Ecclesiastical Establishments labour. He has seen 
and felt those difficulties. A question has arisen about the applicability 
of the Canons of our Church to foreign parts ; and it is pretty generally 
understood and agreed upon, that those Canons cannot be applied to 
foreign parts, and a digest of them will become necessary with a view to 
meet the case : but we have no hope of our Church acting as the Church 
of Scotland does ; that is the only Church Establishment which acts as a 
Missionary body. But since we cannot act as a Missionary body, let us 
take this course, and at least be externally united in the work of Missions. 
This is the only union that can be formed at present for that end ; and I 
think it is a union which, with the blessing of God, will effect that end, 
and therefore I thank God that it has been proposed." 



1841.] THE BISHOP OF LONDON JOIN THE SOCIETY. 367 

subscriber to the Church Missionary Society, and will thank 
you to enter my name. * * * The good providence of God 
seems to have removed all difficulties, and to have opened a 
great door for the free course of His Gospel.' " 

On the 31 st, he adds : — 

"You will rejoice to hear that the Archbishop of Canter- 
bury has sent in his adhesion to the Church Missionary Society : 
he did this under date of the 24th of July, in the following 
letter to Mr. Vores : — e This communication [of the proceedings 
of the Special Meeting] has given me sincere pleasure. I look 
forward with great satisfaction to a connection with the Society ; 
and shall accept the office of Vice-Patron, which they have 
done me the honour of reserving for me as Primate, in humble 
reliance on the good providence of God, to realize all the 
advantages which may be anticipated from the united exertions 
of the members of our National Church in diffusing the 
blessings of our holy religion among the benighted heathen.' 
This is in a very kind spirit. I hope that we have gained a 
great point in this matter ; for our action will be still unfettered, 
while we have the sanction of the Bench of Bishops generally." 

The happy termination of this most anxious and 
important transaction filled Mr. Pratt with gratitude. 
His appearance at this Meeting was the last time of 
his taking any public share in the affairs of the Society. 
Well has it been observed, upon a review of the long 
period which had now elapsed since he took part in 
the Society's formation : — 

ce Seldom has it been given to one man to witness such fruits 
from labours which he was so justly entitled, humanly speak- 
ing, to call his own ; but of which he ever disclaimed all the 
merit and glory." * 



* Sermon on the Death of Mr. Pratt by the Rev. Henry Venn, Hono- 
rary Secretary to the Church Missionary Society, p. 22. 



368 SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL. [Chap. XVIII. 



The jealousy which he felt of any thing that might 
lead to the introduction of a spurious Gospel, and his 
declaration that " he would leave the Church Missio- 
nary Society, however attached to it, if it were to lose 
its characteristic and vital principle of upholding the 
great doctrine of justification by faith," was no tran- 
sient emotion or bare profession. In the year 1843 
he acted upon it, by withdrawing his name from the 
Society for Propagating the Gospel, a finding it pub- 
licly avowed," he writes to his son, " that no means 
were used to ascertain the freedom from Tractarian 
views of the Clergymen employed by the Society." 
He took this step, however, with great reluctance ; and 
after " various communications and intercourse" with 
the authorities, was glad to be able to return, — 
having been " brought to the conclusion," he informs 
the Secretary, which " he had earnestly wished, that 
no party course" would " be pursued by the Society ; 
but that good faith" would " be kept with its members, 
in appointing such persons only to labour under the 
Society, as receive the Articles and the Liturgy in their 
plain and grammatical meaning." 



CHAPTER XIX. 



1839—1844. 

PASTORAL ANXIETIES RELINQUISHES THE " MISSIONARY REGISTER " 

RECORD OF PASTORAL VISITS — LETTERS OF ADMONITION AND CONDOLENCE 

MR. PRATT IN HIS FA3IILY DEPARTURE OF HIS SECOND SON TO 

INDIA AND OF HIS THIRD DAUGHTER TO NEW ZEALAND — THE FAMILY 
VISITED BY SICKNESS AND BEREAVEMENT — LETTER OF CONSOLATION 

TO HIS ELDEST DAUGHTER — ADVANCING AGE DEATH OF MR. PRATTS 

SISTER DECLINING HEALTH AND STRENGTH. 

The preceding Chapter has exhibited Mr. Pratt almost 
exclusively in the character of a quiet and attentive 
observer of the great questions and events, which so 
remarkably formed "the Signs of the Times" during 
the closing years of his long life. 

We have fewer documentary evidences of the extent 
of his personal labours during this period. But it 
must not, therefore, be concluded that he passed these 
years of comparative retirement in ease and leisure. 
From the uniformity of his pursuits, and the regularity 
of his habits, there was but little variety of incident 
to mark his progress. But in his parish and in his 
family he was all this time the centre of life and 
activity. 

The spiritual good of the people committed to his 
charge lay very near his heart. Not only in his public 
and private ministrations, and in the parochial institu- 
tions which he had established, did he manifest a deep 
concern for their welfare ; but he ceased not " night 
and day to make mention of them in prayer " before 

B B 



370 



RELIGIOUS REVIVALS. 



[Chap. XIX. 



God, desiring that they " might be filled with the 
knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual 
understanding;" that they " might walk worthy of the 
Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good 
work." 

While he was quick (as we have seen) to discern 
the evils of his day, and to notice them with unsparing 
rebuke, he was not backward to scrutinize his own 
conduct, and to condemn himself for not doing more 
in his Masters cause. An instance of this spirit of 
self-application is seen in a letter he wrote after hearing 
of some " revivals of religion, of the most solid kind," 
in Scotland, and also of the outburst of inquiry among 
the natives of Bengal at Krishnaghur : — 

" It does seem that this is a way by which our great Master 
and Saviour is pleased to make Himself known : and it is surely 
well fitted to arrest attention, and to put all His servants on the 
solemn inquiries — ' Why does not my parish experience such a 
visitation V ' Am I using to the utmost those means which are 
enjoined on me for awakening among the people an intelligent 
sense of sin and of the need of a Saviour V ( Am I praying, 
and studying, and preaching, under a lively sense of the near- 
ness of judgment and eternity, and of my awful responsibility V " 

And when he had to mention one, who had "departed 
out of the world in a state of apparent desire to be 
prayed with and talked to," but leaving on his mind 
" a very painful impression of fear and grief," he turned 
the subject into one for self-examination : — 

" Such deaths awaken painful thoughts respecting our own 
faithfulness. We do not all that we might do, to warn and 
rescue sinners ; and allowing that all which we might do must 



1841.] RELINQUISHES THE "MISSIONARY REGISTER." 371 



be qualified by its being consistent with other calls upon us, 
yet how often do we feel condemned by our own consciences of 
falling short of this rule ! Oh lay not, my God, the blood of 
souls to our charge ! Give us tender but enlightened con- 
sciences, that we may feel aright and see aright, and prevailing 
grace to follow this inward guide ; but let the blood of Jesus 
Christ, Thy Son, cleanse us from all sin !" 

Among the "other calls" to which he here alludes, 
was the preparation of the "Missionary Register/' 
which in its monthly demand upon his time and 
strength he began to find, as life advanced, materially 
interfered with the discharge of the pastoral duties of 
his parish. 

" It has had its measure of usefulness, through the blessing 
of God, in extending and confirming zeal for the cause of 
Christ in the world; but the constant and anxious labour 
which it has required, leaves a consciousness of defect in my 
ministrations to souls which lies at times as a burden upon me. 
In addition to the earnest desire which the Lord has given me 
to close my days, whether they be few or more, in that personal 
intercourse with the people which I have not yet maintained, 
and for which old age has less disqualified me than it has for 
the more exhausting labours of the pulpit, the same old age has 
added a reason of necessity for my relinquishing the ' Missio- 
nary Register.' The extent and kind of reading and research 
which its accurate preparation and editing require, are become 
too much for my eyes and my mind." 

He consequently took measures for freeing himself 
from this "hindrance," and during the year 1841 initiated 
a new Editor into the art of gathering, selecting, and 
condensing materials for its future publication ; and at 
the close of the year resigned the whole responsibility 

B B 2 



372 



VIEWS OF PAST LIFE. 



[Chap. XIX. 



with great satisfaction into his hands, having been 
himself the original projector of the work, and for 
twenty-nine years its sole conductor. Of this transfer, 
and the consequent benefit he looked for, he thus 
writes in February, 1841 : — 

" With more time, I trust and pray that grace will be given 
to draw forth more and more heart in the work of the Lord ; 
for I find that habits of literary labour, though it be labour 
connected with religion and the cause of Christ, tend to damp 
rather than to cherish the goings-forth of holy affections and 
the exercises of a spiritual mind. May our gracious Master 
grant a supply of the Holy Spirit, that every hour redeemed 
from this course may be employed in the direct labour of obtain- 
ing more meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light, 
and of preparing those for that inheritance who are committed 
to our charge !" 

It is most instructive to notice, what w T ere his own 
views of his character and conduct, after a life so 
energetically and perseveringly devoted to the glory 
of God and the best interests of man. He seems to 
have been entirely preserved from falling into the 
snare of self-righteous complacency, which Satan 
knows well how to spread. His failings appeared to 
himself far more conspicuous than his best deeds. He 
writes to his son in 1841, in the letter last quoted : — 

" The idea of responsibility comes over my mind with power. 
When we can look back to a time in our past lives up to which 
we were, though perhaps with intervals of successful resistance, 
under the power, more or less, of wilful and allowed sin, all 
that course, though we hope, through the precious blood of 
Christ, that it has been forgiven, yet must be often recalled to 
memory, often mourned over, and often laid and re-laid in acts 



1841.] 



PASTORAL ANXIETIES. 



373 



of lively and thankful faith on Him who bore our sins in His 
own body on the tree, for the fuller confirmation to us of our 
forgiveness, and for the knitting of our hearts more firmly in 
love to our adorable Saviour. But after-life must be looked at 
under another aspect. The course was then changed. The 
evil was no longer the allowed commission of sin, but the dis- 
allowed omission of duty. Numbers, I believe, can look back 
on many years of their lives, and thank God that they have 
been kept by grace through faith from the commission of any 
deliberate and wilful sin ; but as the standard of perfect love to 
God and man is applied to our state of heart and life, and this 
enforced by all the love of our Lord to us, oh who can tell how 
oft he offendeth !" 

The affectionate concern which he felt for the souls 
of the flock, over which the Holy Ghost had made 
him overseer, is still farther most touchingly exhi- 
bited in a brief record which he left behind him of 
several of the pastoral visits he made during the last 
seven months of his life. He appears to have com- 
mitted these brief notices to writing to assist his fail- 
ing memory, and so to enable himself to bring the 
cases of his parishioners with frequency and greater 
readiness before the Throne of Grace. " It is a record 
evidently made as in the presence of God : a diary of 
pastoral avocations, and of pastoral feelings, in every 
page of which breathes the spirit of love."* Short as 
the document is, it serves to indicate the habit of 
mind and the spirit of prayer in which he always 
engaged in his ministerial duties. 



* Funeral Sermon by Rev. John Harding. 



374 



RECORD OF PASTORAL 



[Chap. XIX. 



One of his visits draws forth the following aspira- 
tion : " Oh for the tongue of the learned, to speak a 
word in season, fitted to awake every class of my 
parishioners! and oh, still more earnestly would I 
pray for the life-giving Spirit to accompany every 
word!" Again, at the close of another entry : "All 
saving power, O Lord, is from Thee ! Let an unction 
from Thee rest on all that we say to these poor souls !" 

It gave him heartfelt pleasure to make such a 

record as the following : " Visited Mrs. , whom 

I have frequently visited before — apparently near 
death — peaceful — enlightened — a believing hold of 
Christ, which has sustained her through great pain 
and anxiety for her husband A very satisfac- 
tory and encouraging case. O Lord, let Thy grace 
be thus displayed in multitudes around her !" Of 
another he writes : " Concerned for his soul — humble 
— seems to rest on Christ." Again : " She is ignorant 
— God of His mercy savingly enlighten her! I 
endeavour, in prayer, to keep her in view, but the 
Holy Spirit must open her eyes !" Of another he 
writes, as " a satisfactory instance of the triumph of 
grace in death." Another " begins to hope and long 
for life, as she avows, for the purpose of living for 
God and the good of those around her — gave her 
needful cautions, warnings, and encouragements." 
Another he mentions, " in whose death there was hope 
that he was penitent and believing." Of another he 
records, " She has felt much under the Word — -has 
sought God, but seems to be withheld from following 
her convictions — gave her ' The Sinner's Friend ' " — (a 



1841—1843.] 



VISITS AND ANXIETIES. 



375 



tract of which he made extensive use) — " and pressed 
her to receive Christ." In a strain of gratitude for a 
favourable change which had taken place in one 
whom he had long visited, he closes his concise 
record of it thus, " Glory be to God our Saviour !" 

After his descriptions of the various characters he 
visited, such ejaculations as these again and again 
appear : " Lord, save, or he will perish !" — " Lord, 
have mercy upon his soul !" — " Lord, let Thy saving 
light shine into his soul !" 

And where the parties were in a painfully discou- 
raging state, such entries as the following are made : — 
6( Poor man — dark for eternity ! O Lord, look on 
these precious souls, and quicken us to labour for 
their salvation." In another case, in which it was 
doubted whether access could be gained to the person 
concerned, the affecting entry stands : " But I must 
try ! O Lord, have mercy on these neglecters of Thine 
ordinances !" And almost the very last lines he wrote 
most truly convey the tone of all his allusions to the 
souls entrusted to his care : " The Lord have mercy 
upon them, and enable us to deal faithfully and closely 
with them ! Oh for that mighty power on our own 
hearts, and on this people, which alone can give suc- 
cess to the word !" 

"Being affectionately desirous of" the people com- 
mitted to his charge, he was, in a measure, " willing 
to have imparted to" them "not the Gospel of God 
only, but" his " own soul also ; because" they iC were 
dear unto" him. It was a source of unfeigned delight 
to receive good tidings of the welfare of those, to 



376 



SIR FOWELL BUXTON. 



[Chap. XIX. 



whom he had been called to minister. He had no 
greater joy than to hear, that his spiritual children 
walked in the truth. He writes in 1842 to a relative, 
of one to whom allusion has been made in a former 
Chapter, and who was now brought down to a bed of 
sickness by his indefatigable exertions in behalf of 
Africa : — - 

" I exchanged a few words at Mr. Foster's with Sir Fowell 
Buxton, as he lay stretched upon his bed ; and should have 
gladly spent some time with him could it have been allowed. 
God our Saviour be praised for the support which He grants 
to His servant in this trying hour." * * * * "It greatly 
rejoices and strengthens us, in the discouragements of our 
ministry, from conscious failings and unprofitableness, to wit- 
ness instances in which it pleases our Heavenly Master to 
shew us that He is pleased, by His feeble servants, to bring 
precious souls to the knowledge of the Saviour, and to build 
them up and preserve them to His everlasting kingdom." 
" Oh ! remember, my dear friend," he continues, " in your 
habitual prayers the Ministers and Missionaries of Christ of 
every name in every nation, and especially the Ministers of our 
own Church, among whom, as you know, a plague of subtle 
and plausible but ruinous error has broken forth." 

Against this " mischievous system" he never failed 
to warn his flock. To one who had gained benefit 
from his ministry, but was removing from London 
to take up his residence in Kent, he writes in Sept. 
1842, throwing out the following caution upon this 
subject : — 

"It gives me much pleasure to find, that the lines have 
fallen to you in such pleasant places. You may truly say, 

' I have a goodly heritage.' Mr. P may be leaned upon 

as one well imbued with the discriminating knowledge and 



1842.] 



TRACTARIANISM. 



377 



spiritual savour of the Gospel. You will hear, as I believe, 
nothing from him of that 'other gospel' which the great 
Deceiver is labouring to palm, as he did on the Churches of 
Galatia, on the undiscerning and self-righteous. Make these 
two things, dear sir, your touchstone of truth to guide you 
through the mysticisms and elaborate sophisms which are 
broached in Tractarian publications : — the supreme, absolute, 
exclusive authority, as the rule of doctrine and practice, of the 
Inspired Word; and the salvation revealed in that Word, which 
is restoration to the favour of God by faith in the atonement 
and righteousness of Christ, wrought in the heart by the Holy 
Spirit, and the spiritual regeneration and continued renewals 
of the soul, by the grace of the Spirit, in the diligent use of 
all appointed means. I have said, let these two principles 
guide you through the mists of Tractarian publications, that is, 
whenever such fall in your way ; for, so far am I from recom- 
mending them to your attention, that I beseech you to read with 
great reserve and caution every thing which issues from the 
shop* of these men. * * * The Evangelical School, of all 
times, acquires an additional value from its entire freedom from 
the follies and errors peculiar to the Tractarian, and from its 
furnishing the one true and efficacious antidote and remedy 
against them. The stamp of the Religious-Tract Society is, 
in this point of view, of great value. 

" I have been led unawares to this length, for the subject 
lies much on my mind. A spirit of judicial infatuation seems 
to have been sent on a large portion of the clergy and laity of 
our Church. The argument against the Tractarian notions is 
unanswerable. It is neglected, or misrepresented, or ridiculed, 
or in any other way got rid of ; but it is not answered and 
refuted. And in the meanwhile, the majority of the rulers of 
the Church hold back from its bold and just defence. Some, 



* Alluding to the bookseller of the Party, who has since seceded to 
Rome. 



378 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XIX. 



indeed, have done nobly ; among whom the Bishop of Calcutta 
stands one of the foremost." 

The following letter was addressed to the widow of 
a gentleman to whom his ministry had been especially 
blessed : it was written only eight months before he 
himself joined the blessed company above : — 

" ' The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed 
be the name of the Lord ! ' This, I know, is the language of 
your faith and of your judgment, under your present bitter and 
sudden bereavement. Our gracious Father is not displeased 
to see the tears of His children. { Jesus wept' before His 
Father ; and the Father will not disapprove of that in His frail 
servants which He saw in the only-begotten Son in whom He 
was always well pleased. Only by the grace of the Holy 
Spirit, which dwelt without measure in our Head, let us His 
members seek in all things to be made like unto Him. Were 
you called, my dear friend, to commit your beloved husband's 
remains to the grave in the exercise of a doubtful and uncertain 
hope respecting the state of his soul, how great would be the 
trial of your submission to God ! But, blessed be God ! you 
are spared that trial ; and can confidently ( commit his body 
to the ground, in sure and certain hope of his resurrection to 
eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ.' It will be grateful 
to hear that it pleased God to grant you the favour, under the 
violence and suddenness of the attack, to obtain, if but a tran- 
sient recognition from his mind, that he was resting on the 
bosom of his Lord. If, however, this were not granted, the 
very wanderings of his unconscious spirit shewed whither it 
was hasting away. And there, though ' we know no man after 
the flesh,' yet heaven itself may be endeared to you by the 
thought, that it has received one to its holy mansions who 
was to you a loving associate and helper through many years 
of your earthly pilgrimage, and who is for ever escaped from 
the sins and miseries of this evil world. We rejoice and thank 



1844.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



379 



our gracious Saviour on behalf of your dear husband. We 
have felt, as called to minister to him the Word of God, greatly 
encouraged and strengthened by his diligent attendance on 
Divine Ordinances. There I last saw him, and took leave of 
him ; but with no anticipation that he would, ere our next com- 
munion, be called to drink the new wine in our Father's kingdom. 
May the same sovereign grace and mercy which called and 
trained him to sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb 
prepare us all to join with him in the Song of the Redeemed 
for ever and ever ! 

" Serious indisposition has kept me at home, or I should 
have before this called to sympathize with you ; and to assist 
you, if it should please God, to lean with sure confidence and 
hope on His gracious arm. Your dear husband's personal 
example and prayers and support are withdrawn ; but his 
' faith follow, considering the end of his conversation,' his 
escape from the defilements and troubles of this sinful world, 
and that 1 Jesus Christ' is to you as He was to him, f the same 
yesterday, and to-day, and for ever !' 

' The same His power His flock to guard, 
The same His bount}' to reward ; 
The same His faithfulness and love, 
To saints on earth, and saints above.' 

" * The grace of our Lord J esus Christ, and the love of 
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost,' be now and ever 
with you ; and convey into your heart large measures of holy 
consolation, in a thankful and patient conformity to all the 
will of God! Our spiritual enemies must be subdued, our 
corruptions mortified, and grace made triumphant in our souls ; 
and though the course is painful, the faithfulness and loving- 
kindness of our God and Saviour will grant such measures of 
His Spirit's grace and consolations as will carry through, even 
to the end, all who humbly trust Him. We have just witnessed 
a remarkable instance of His grace and mercy, in supporting, 



380 



MR. PRATT IN HIS FAMILY. 



[Chai\ XIX. 



through a course of almost unheard of trials, that great sufferer, 
Mary Wilson,* who died on Friday, in the Lord. 

f£ Let us look forward, my dear friend, to the mercy of our 
Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, for our own souls ; and 
pray for a quickening influence, through the godly lives and 
deaths of others, on the souls of all around. 
" I am ever, 

" Your affectionate friend and minister in the Lord, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

Various have been the testimonies that his ministry 
was blessed to the conversion and edification of souls. 
The following instance is selected from many letters 
of condolence which his family received upon the 
occasion of his death :— 

" For many years we had the privilege of attending his 
ministry, and through all eternity both myself, my husband, 
and my elder children will have to praise and bless God for 
the great privilege. As parents, we were much indebted to 
him for those sound and scriptural instructions which were 
accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit to the spiritual 
welfare of our dear young people. I doubt not you will have 
many such testimonies to the usefulness of your revered father, 
leading you to magnify the grace of God, and silencing 
every rising sorrow that his work is done." 

But it was in his family that Mr. Pratt's value was 
peculiarly felt as age advanced. He was sensitively 
alive to all their concerns, and deeply sympathized 



* This was a young woman in St. Stephen's parish, who was called by 
grace from a life of sin and folly to a life of godliness in a most remarkable 
manner, and died, after an exemplary Christian course of six years 
amidst trials and sufferings, a bright ornament to the Gospel, and a monu- 
ment of the sovereign grace of God. 



1838.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



381 



in their joys and sorrows. And his affectionate in- 
terest in their welfare increased, as the time manifestly 
drew nearer when he must leave them to continue 
that warfare, from which he was soon to receive so 
honourable a discharge. They, on the other hand, 
regarded him still as a tower of strength : they knew 
that he was constant and fervent in his intercessions 
for them individually; and they derived the greatest 
comfort from this thought, though removed, some of 
them, to the very ends of the earth. His counsels also 
were still sought and much relied on ; for though his 
mind was become slower in its operations, its judgment 
of things appeared as distinct and sound as ever. 
Nay, he would make practical efforts and take much 
trouble sometimes to promote their welfare ; and 
would sometimes say pleasantly, that he was living 
life over again in his children. And most truly it was 
so. His correspondence with those who were absent 
cost him often much time and thought, and some 
specimens shall be given. 

In September, 1838, his younger son, John Henry, 
Fellow of Caius College, Cambridge, left England for 
India, to become Domestic Chaplain to the Bishop of 
Calcutta. The feeling which this separation occa- 
sioned in his affectionate heart may be traced in the 
following extract from a letter to his Lordship : — 

" June 8, 1839. 

" Since I have withdrawn from active labours at the Church 
Missionary House, though my time is much occupied in 
registering the labours and trials and success of the servants and 
soldiers of our Lord throughout the world, yet I have felt as 



382 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XIX. 



though it might be said to me in my old age, * What do ye more 
than others ? It is easy to talk and write about the Kingdom 
of Christ; what sacrifices have you ever made for it?' But 
now, though I cannot say with good old Mrs. Cates, when she 
was asked, on seeking admission at one of our close-packed 
Meetings at Freemasons' Hall, 'Are you a Subscriber?' she 
said, ' No ;' but, bethinking herself, turned back, s Yes ! I am 
a Subscriber : I have given an only son ;' — yet I have given a 
son, one whom I probably shall not again see in this world. 
There are certainly feelings peculiar to the Christian in these 
separations. Love to Christ and to the souls of men ought to 
be in him a more powerful and constraining motive, than the 
necessities or the hope of honour and wealth which chiefly 
move the worldly man to make these sacrifices are to him. Yet 
these low motives work with nature, but the godly wars against 
nature : he cannot act on these low motives : they are of the 
very nature of the fallen man, and silence the claims of kindred 
and home far more quickly and effectually than the too-often 
weak faith and divided love of the Christian. Besides that the 
Christian has a circle of kindred spirits and a course of active 
and holy habits to break away from, which are endeared to 
him far beyond any endearment which an unrenewed mind can 
conceive. The zeal of the worldling in his little pursuits may 
well reproach the weakness of our faith and love ; but he is not 
in a capacity to make or to judge of the sacrifices which the 
Christian makes in these separations. In this sense, also, ' He 
that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of 
no man.' All this, my dear friend, has been long familiar to 
your thoughts, but is newer to mine." 

A few years after this, Mr. Pratt was called to a 
severe trial in the departure to New Zealand with a 
young family, of his fourth daughter, Marianne, who 
in January, 1838, had married Sampson, son of the 
late Rev. John Kempthorne, Rector of St. Michael's, 



1842.] 



LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTER. 



383 



Gloucester. In prospect of this painful separation 
he writes to his son in India more than a year before 
the event : — 

" We are called, in our old age, practically to loosen our hold 
on the dearest objects of our creature affections, and hold you 
all in and under our Covenant God. We have often, and do 
continually, commit you all to Him ; and have endeavoured to 
bring you up for Him : and thanks, everlasting thanks, be to 
Him — Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — that we can rejoice over 
you all as children of the Covenant. Receiving, then, from 
Him the greatest blessing which He can bestow, next to our 
own salvation, shall we not cheerfully yield you to His will as 
to the years of your sojourning on earth ; only praying, as we 
do earnestly, that He would cause all things which shall befal 
you all to work together for your good ? " 

Just before her departure, he put into his daughter's 
hands the following letter : — 

" London, May 30, 1842. 
" So long as we are on earth we shall not cease to bear you, 
and your husband, and your children, into the presence of our 
Heavenly Father. Day by day your mother and I hope in 
faith to meet you at His throne, in the name of our great 
Mediator, and under the precious influence of the Holy Spirit. 
We shall, I trust, be often visitors there. Teach your children, 
as years open upon them, to hold communion with us at the 
Throne of Grace. It is not long, indeed, that we shall continue 
here, nor is it likely that we shall meet again in this world : 
may it please our God, therefore, to render our present separa- 
tion a real help to us all in our passage toward eternity. 
' I die daily.' You have the greater part of that course to 
run over which we have passed ; and we confirm you, by our 
long experience in those lessons of heavenly wisdom which 
you have been taught. Oh, how do we bless our God for His 



LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTER. [Chap. XIX. 



abundant mercy, that you are carrying with you to New 
Zealand, by the gift of God, that faith, by which you can * come 
boldly to the Throne of Grace, that you may obtain mercy, 
and find grace to help in time of need.' A few years' toil and 
conflict, and gracious support and consolation, and all shall be 
over ! Oh let us be faithful unto death ! 

" There are, perhaps, many and various scenes opening 
before you ; habits of life to which you have not been accus- 
tomed : these will, after a time, become familiarized, and you 
will so far modify the manners of your native land that you 
will make yourselves happy in the will of God. We need not 
warn you against forgetting us. Softening times will come 
across you, when the full tide of recollection will flow in upon 
you. Let such seasons be indulged, for the cherishing of 
affection, and for the cultivation of holy communion before 
the Throne of God. 

" The training of your children will call for the exercise of 
wisdom, in firmness and tenderness, every day — f gentle, even as 
a nurse cherisheth her children ... as ye know how we exhorted 
and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth 
his children,' 1 Thess. ii. 7. 11. You have seen these privileges 
acted on in your own families. We praise our Goo! for giving 
us grace to consider the children of both as loans lent to us of 
the Lord, that we might fulfil towards them our stewardship, 
and train them for the Church on earth, that they may pass to 
the { general assembly and Church of the first-born in heaven.' 
How greatly God has blessed our endeavours, you are both 
witness. I would fain, however, urge all the children of both 
families to rise higher and higher toward heaven, as time is 
carrying us fast on to the eternal world. I earnestly entreat 
you to subdue the wills of your children most tenderly if you 
can ; but if not, your duty and your love require measures 
which shall enforce compliance. Commit yourselves as little 
as may be into a contest with your children ; but, having once 
done this, you must maintain the contest till the child yields. 



1842.] 



LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTER. 



385 



Every such victory will make the next easier, and, in all like- 
lihood, will deter the child from entering on another contest. 
And you must make thorough work of it, if you would bless 
the child : the guile of the heart is seen in combination with its 
self-will, in trying to evade your authority. A very young child 
puts forth perhaps his first approaches to sin in acts of cunning 
and rebellion. Rely with unshaken confidence on that Divine 
maxim, f Train up a child in the way he should go, and when 
he is old he will not depart from it.' 

" I have an humble hope that our gracious God will guard 
you in His providence, and will carry you to your desired 
haven. Hearty friends to the thorough christianizing of the 
natives, I doubt not but you will be ; and meek, but stern 
m repressors, so far as God may give you power, of that 1 wicked 
one.' Our Church has been under the influence of a Nicene 
Mania ever since these ' conspirators,' as they have nicknamed 
themselves, began to infect the Church. The truth is, that no 
men, in any age of the Church from the moment St. John 
breathed out his holy soul, have been entitled to implicit con- 
fidence. Men were breaking out, indeed, on all sides, even 
during the lives of the inspired Apostles ; and the philosophy, 
which the Apostle reprobates to the Colossians, had deeply 
infected the Church, so that nothing whatever must be brought 
from uninspired stores, without first subjecting it to the strict 
test of Scripture. In the Nicene age, of the second and third 
centuries, great men had come to hold flagrant superstitions 
and errors, together with orthodox and evangelical truth. All 
this wants thorough cleansing : but this is the very channel by 
which the ( conspirators ' have brought in their poison. Keep 
yourselves pure, dear Sampson and Marianne ! Regenerated 
by the Holy Spirit in spiritual regeneration, of which Baptism 
is only the figure and pledge — cleansed from the guilt of all 
sins, whenever, by faith of the Spirit's operation, we wash them 
away in the blood of the Lamb — clothed in the garment of 
Christ's righteousness whenever faith draws on that Heavenly 

c c 



386 



LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTER. 



[Chat. XIX. 



clothing — and sanctified by growth in the graces and fruits of 
the Spirit, we trust and pray that you will hold on your way. 
It will be seen, I doubt not, by the gracious support of the 
Saviour, that you will not be left to yourselves. Let your bow 
abide in strength. Closet duties statedly fixed and religiously 
observed must be your main stay under God. ( In Christ, 1 
may you both know the blessedness of that state, living and 
dying in the favour and image of the Lord ! 

" In what manner, and to what extent, it may please our 
gracious Master to employ you in New Zealand for the ad- 
vancement of His kingdom, we humbly commit to Him. Go 
in faith, since the providence of God calls you forth. Lay 
hold on the promises of the Covenant. Place yourselves, and 
your children, and your faithful servant, under your God and « 
Father, your Saviour and Redeemer, your Comforter and 
Sanctifier. It is mercy and condescension on the part of our 
God to give you work in His vineyard. I am very earnest 
that my children, and my children's children, should put forth, 
to their utmost power, that great work of making Christ known 
to the ruined world, in which it has pleased God to engage us 
so many years. We have not dealt with that cause as the 
glory of God and the value of souls demand. May the Saviour 
whom we proclaim to sinners, cleanse away the guilt of all our 
want of zeal and love ! Oh let us live nearer to God ! Let 
us seek to realize more in our own experience that declaration, 
' Whom having not seen, ye love ; in whom, though now ye 
see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable 
and full of glory.' Here will be the remedy of daily and 
hourly care. 

" ' The grace of our Lord J esus Christ, and the love of God, 
and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost be with you all, Amen !' 

" J osiah Pratt. 

" Elizabeth Pratt." 



He followed this branch of his family with a 



1342.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



387 



series of letters, full of sage counsel and fatherly 
affection and consolation : a few extracts from them 
are subjoined : — 

" London, Oct. 6, 1842. 

"MY DEAR SAMPSON AND MARIANNE 

" Truly we have passed through a period, for these last few 
months, of a kind different in degree from any which we have 
before known in our married life of forty-five years. Our 
entire uncertainty respecting the well-being, and even the con- 
tinuance in life, of persons so dear to us, and the probability 
that we shall have to pass through another period as long 
before our anxieties will be removed, do force upon us the deep 
conviction that * Godliness is profitable unto all things, having 
the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.' 
Reduced to absolute dependence on the will of God, we find 
our comfort inseparable from our duty. Our refuge, under 
every thought of anxiety and care, is the bosom of our Heavenly 
Father. At His throne, in the name of our great Intercessor, 
we often meet you in prayer, for the guidance and support of 
His providence and spirit. It is a comfort and stay to us, to 
think, that, from such various and distant parts of the world, 
members of our families are daily presenting one another in 
earnest intercessions before the Throne. May the great Inter- 
cessor appear there for us ! Be this our rejoicing, that ' He 
is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by 
Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.' " 

" London, April 29, 1843. 

"MY DEAR SAMPSON AND MARIANNE — 

" On occasion of our first monthly letter to you after our 
receipt of the welcome tidings of your arrival, I cannot but add 
my note of praise to the general concert of thanksgiving to our 
gracious God, for all the multiplied mercies vouchsafed to you, 
and to us through you. 

" A variety of intelligence will meet you by this channel. The 

c c 2 



388 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XIX. 



last, just arrived, is painful to our feelings, but joyful to our 
faith. My dear sister Simcox, who ascended yesterday to her 
rest, has travelled a long space ahead of me for a long series 
of years. Her anxious spirit, alive to the interests and comforts 
of those about her, and surviving all her children except 
Charlotte, has fallen into her Saviour's arms. She died yester- 
day in her 77th year. Soon will my turn come, and your 
dear mother's. Pray for us both, as we do for you and the 
dear children. May the precious blood of Christ cleanse us 
all from the guilt of our sins, and the Holy Spirit make us 
meet to be partakers with the saints in light! Accept my 
hearty love, and assure yourselves of my constant and earnest 
prayers, who am ever 

" Your affectionate Father, 

"Josiah Pratt." 

" London, May I, 1844. 

" MY DEAR SAMPSON AND MARIANNE 

" Your mother has provided you with a rich stock of news, 
which will be very acceptable to you, though it tells the usual 
tale respecting this changing world. We are partakers, in our 
own persons, or in our friends, of the sorrows which chequer 
human joys, but these very sorrows are needful and good 
for us. 

" I have not yet attended any Sermon or Meeting of this 
season, except the Bishop of London's Sermon. I can manage 
to get on pretty well, while quiet and unexcited: otherwise 
I feel disposed to falter. Pray for us both, as we do for you 
and all the dear children, now inclusive of my little namesake. 
God, our Covenant God, bless him, and bless them all, and 
their nine cousins ; and may it graciously appear that He has 
made them all subjects of that quickening grace, which, and 
which alone, is the commencement of eternal life ! Let us 
steadily cleave to the doctrines of Grace in all their reformation 
and Protestant energy and simplicity. These are they by 



1840.] 



DOMESTIC TRIALS. 



389 



which we may live in holiness, usefulness, and comfort, and by 
which we may die in peace and joy. 

" Believe me ever, dear Sampson and Marianne, 

" Most affectionately, your Father, 

" Josiah Pratt." 

During the interval between the departure of his 
son for India and of his daughter for New Zealand, 
severe sickness visited the several branches of his 
family. "I had felt for some time/' he writes in 
January 1840, " that God had dealt out to us a pleasant 
lot ; but He is now shewing us how soon clouds may 
gather." Dangerous sickness had visited the family 
of his eldest daughter, and had threatened the life of 
his eldest grandson. And now the mother herself 
was smitten down by severe illness, compelled to 
leave home for the benefit of a milder climate during 
the winter months, and separated by many miles from 
her husband, whom imperative duty kept at his post. 
In February death visited the family of his eldest son, 
and removed, after a brief illness, the grandchild who 
bore his own name. But God so mingled His dispen- 
sations, that on the very day that He called back to 
Himself this precious gift, He added another, in a third 
branch, by the addition of a son to the family of his 
youngest daughter. " What an extraordinary day has 
this been!" he writes; " we truly rejoice in tears!" 
And amidst the conflict which arose in his breast 
between grief and thanksgiving, he adds :— 

" We receive this new charge with some trembling. Yet 
our duty is not modified nor dependent on the holy will of our 
God concerning the length or shortness of their lives. If He 
take them out of our hands before they become fit subjects of 



390 



DOMESTIC TRIALS. 



[Chap. XIX. 



our instrumentality as to spiritual things, it is to exalt them in 
the scale of light, and holiness, and love : and if He continue 
them under our care till the mind is instructed and the soul 
responsible, it is His grace alone which can prevent our 
instructions from aggravating their guilt by being neglected, 
and can make them efficacious for their spiritual and ever- 
lasting good." * * * * "I was remarking but a little while 
ago to your mother," he writes to his son, " that our family had 
been spared any serious affliction for some years. God would 
not have sent this chastening if we had not needed it. May 
the Holy Spirit so sanctify it to us, and so lead us to the 
throne of a reconciled Father, through the merits and interces- 
sion of our adorable Saviour, that we may all find in this sanc- 
tified trouble an evidence of our adoption into the family of 
God, and that the Lord chastens us because we are sons." 

In the summer of the same year illness visited his 
own immediate household. And although it pleased 
God at length to restore health, the season was spent 
not without some anxiety for the safety of two of its 
members. These were renewed trials ; but he received 
the Divine chastisements in the lowly spirit of the 
experienced Christian, who waited for " the peaceable 
fruits of righteousness " granted " to them who are 
exercised thereby." 

" These are new circumstances for us," he writes at this 
time. " May He who has brought us into them make them 
truly profitable to us all ! These visitations are those 
wrenchings which, when sanctified, are needful to loosen us 
from the earth to which we cling with such tenacity." 

From the various letters of spiritual advice and 
consolation which he wrote under these afflicting 
circumstances, the following extracts from those 
addressed to his eldest daughter are selected :— 



1840.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



391 



" I take the first opportunity, after the hurry of the January 
' Register/ to hold some conversation with you. In the same 
sense, though not with equal faith and love, I may say to you 
what St. Paul says to Timothy, ' Without ceasing, I have 
remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.' No day 
passes without the presenting of you all, name by name, 
before our Covenant God ; and they have special remembrance 
on whom the chastening hand of the Lord abides. Our 
strokes from that Fatherly Hand have been few and light, 
compared with the heavy trials which, like wave upon wave, 
have come one after another upon others. For this we have 
great cause of thankfulness, provided freedom from trials has 
not weakened our hold on Christ and our separation from the 
world. They would never be sent if not needed ; and, while 
faith is in exercise, we shall think and pray in the spirit of St. 
Paul, ' If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of 
the dead ;' even though a preparation and meetness of soul for 
a participation in the glorious resurrection of the saints be to 
be attained only by having 'fellowship' with Christ in 'His 
sufferings,' and being ' made conformable to His death.' But 
we are to be enabled for this by that ' power ' which He put 
forth in His own 'resurrection.' To be 6 found in Him' for 
acceptance, and to 'know Him' in His sanctifying and com- 
forting Spirit, these were the Apostle's joy, and they may be 
ours. God, of His free mercy and grace, grant you assurance 
of a believing interest in Christ, and power to leave all creature 
ties in His hand! 

" After all our knowledge and experience, and the deep con- 
victions of our minds that our dearest earthly blessings must 
be held with a hand always ready to let them go when called 
for, when the time for parting seems to come we feel as though 
some new and unheard of event was befalling us. The lesson 
which we supposed that we had learnt is brought to the test, 
and we find that it is in and under trouble that we make pro- 
gress in actual submission and conformity of heart to the will 



392 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XIX. 



of the Lord. These trials, therefore, are sacred ordinances, in 
which the design of our Heavenly Father is ' to make us par- 
takers of His holiness.' ' He that hath suffered in the flesh,' 
St. Peter says, ' hath ceased from sin : ' he who, while in the 
body, endures his trials in the spirit in which, as a Christian, 
it becomes him, finds them sanctified to the mortification of 
sin. It rejoices our hearts, my dear Caroline, that God hath 
heard our prayers for you and your beloved child. May 
Arthur be restored to full strength again, and give proof that 
God is with him ! I wrote a few lines to him, hoping that he 
may be led to understand the call of God to him to be a pious 
child. And may you, and your dear husband, be strengthened 
with might in your souls to bear whatever trials are now upon 
you, or may await you in this present world." * * * * 

After regretting that he should not be able to write 
at length, he adopts the saying of an old friend of 
his own and Mr. Cecil, as expressive of his present 
feelings : — 

* * * * " Rev. i. 9. first clause. 1 Pet. v. 7. Cant. iv. 
12—16. Deut. xxxiii. 25. last clause. Matt. xi. 28. These 
are my later texts. You will see how my mind has been led. 
And I come to find that the woman of Canaan was one of the 
first of women, in that surprising strength which the Lord gave 
to her faith, that He might try it as to the uttermost, for a 
pattern to all them who should hereafter be brought under the 
most disheartening discouragements. ' Lord, I believe,' you 
can both say through grace, 'help my unbelief!' ' Lord, 
increase our faith,' we must all add. Now this I humbly hope 
that He will do. Oh that those two dear girls with you may 
have the gift of God, and all your children in due season, and 
all far and near who are of our blood and kindred ! I hope 
you can now leave yourself for life with your blessed Lord, as 
you were enabled to do for death when it seemed as if coming 



1841.] 



CORRESPONDENCE, 



393 



nearer to you. You have much, my dear Caroline, to live for, 
if He restore you ; and His very restoration of you speaks this 
language : if your work were done, He would not restore you. 
But He will give you a lengthened day, I trust, that you may 
both yourself be fitted, by the sovereign grace of the Holy 
Spirit, for 1 a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,' 
and that you may be a means and instrument of awakening 
and sanctifying others. Now * for the morrow take no care,' 
but to be right with God ; and, even in that, dismiss all 
anxiety. Don't let your mind run out into sanguine plans : 
mine would, and therefore I know the need of laying a curb 
on it. Yet I know the value of that ' repairing principle ' which 
God has given to both you and me, if not suffered to carry us 
away." 

This " repairing principle " he had in a large mea- 
sure in his natural character ; and it was strengthened 
by grace. His faith was simple and strong, and his 
confidence in the mercy and goodness of his covenanted 
God unwavering. He had, however, seasons of depres- 
sion, especially, as we shall see, in his last illness : 
but these arose, no doubt, in part from the physical 
effect of disease upon his spirits, and also from the 
humble view he was led to take of himself ; not from 
any failure in his reliance on the mercy of God or in 
his grasp of the merits of Christ, as his title to heaven. 

"London, Oct. 8, 1841. 
" God is so dealing with your family and affairs, that it 
seems a seasonable time to put you and your dear husband in 
remembrance of those exceeding great and precious promises, 
by pleading and relying on which, your faith and hope shall 
be sustained. In the circumstances which attend your pre- 
sent situation — as, whether health and necessary provision will 



394 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



[Chap. XIX. 



be such as to enable you to continue where you are? — whither, 
if you are to remove, you should remove? — what means, 
further than those which you have already employed, should 
be yet used to ascertain the will of God ? — these are ques- 
tions, and there are others like them, on which, in childlike 
simplicity, you may pray ; and be assured that when patience 
has had her perfect work, your prayers shall be answered. 
'Crucified to the world' — ' Dead to the world' — these are mighty 
words. Before they can be realized in us, our hearts must 
undergo many violent wrenchings. You have both known 
some of these ; and I doubt not but the Divine life has by these, 
through the supply of the Spirit of Christ, been strengthened 
in you. You were ready to say, with Hezekiah, ' I reckoned 
till morning, that, as a lion, so will He break all my bones : 
from day even to night wilt Thou make an end of me but 
you were brought to say, c O Lord, by these things men live, 
and in all these things is the life of my spirit : so wilt Thou 
recover me, and make me to live.' But the process of wean- 
ing the heart from the creature may become more gentle and 
quiet, yet it must be continued. The heart, except so far as 
it is acting under the power of grace, is putting forth its feelers 
after this and that creature-comfort ; but God in mercy places 
His servants under dispensations, by which they are, at length, 
brought to a deliberate and settled conviction and feeling of 
heart that God in Christ is their only portion, and are enabled 
to hold their dearest earthly joys as His, and theirs only in Him 
and for Him. You, dear Caroline, and your beloved husband, 
have been repeatedly under this process of the Lord with you ; 
you are now under it. May He grant you both the spiritual 
benefit of His dealings ! It is not now the great and strong wind 
which rends the mountains, nor the earthquake, nor the fire ; 
but it is the ( still small voice' which follows you with its gentle 
whisperings — 1 Trust ye in the Lord for ever ; for in the Lord 
Jehovah is everlasting strength. Thou wilt keep him in per- 
fect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth 



1841.] 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



395 



in Thee.' I do augur good to our family ; I mean that good 
which is alone worthy of the name, from the trials of faith to 
which various branches have been, and are still, subjected. 
We may not be able to detect any special cause for painful 
dispensations ; but they who live most in communion of spirit 
with their Divine Master well know that there is always abun- 
dant need of these lowering yet quickening medicines : and the 
more vividly faith sets home on conscience our omissions and 
failings, in the feelings and acts of love to God and our neigh- 
bour, which are bound on us by the Divine command, and 
enforced on us by the mercies of the Gospel, we shall the more 
heartily justify God in all His fatherly corrections. 6 If we 
would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.' But we all 
fail in detecting our sins and infirmities. Our Heavenly Father, 
therefore, takes us in hand ; and that with a most fatherly 
purpose : for { when we are judged, we are chastened of the 
Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.' 
Chastening is from the hand of love ; and scourges are applied 
to the son whom the Father receives. Sincere desires and 
earnest prayers, that our troubles and cares may be sanctified 
to the increase of our deadness to the world and of our faith 
and hope in our Covenant God, are grounds of assurance that 
He is graciously dealing with us to prepare us for His eternal 
kingdom and glory. It is true that misgivings often damp and 
dishearten the afflicted, especially in dark and cloudy days, 
when he is trying to plead the promises. ' Who am I, that / 
should lay claim to the promises of the covenant, who fail in all 
things ; and come short of rendering the glory due to God, in 
all the workings of my heart and the actions of my life toward 
Him and my neighbour ? Am I really a Christian ? Have I 
ever been grafted by the Holy Spirit, through faith, into the 
True Vine V Certainly, the way to God must be cleared for 
us, by having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, 
before we can draw near with confidence. But a conscious- 
ness of integrity and sincerity, in the midst of often repeated 



396 



LETTER TO HIS GRANDSON. 



[Chap. XIX. 



though disallowed failings, opens to us the full encouragement 
of the virtue of that blood which cleanseth from all sin. 

« We are all desirous of hearing very soon from you again. 
We cordially join in Mr. Clowes's wishes and prayers, that 
nothing may befal the dear children, but as it shall be accom- 
panied by evidence of their souls' safety in the Lord. Ever 
let us keep our eyes steadily fixed on our own and their spi- 
ritual warfare, and the salvation of all around us. 

" May God our Saviour take you all into His special keep- 
ing, and guide and comfort you, by His Holy Spirit, to the 
glory of God our Father !" 

The letter to his grandson above alluded to was 
the following — an admirable specimen of a simple 
and affectionate manner of addressing children : — 

" London, Jan. 22, 1840. 

" MY DEAR ARTHUR — 

" We have all been very sorry to hear how ill you have 
been. So we prayed for you. Mr. C. is a wise man, in know- 
ing what medicines to give you ; but our Heavenly Father only 
can make these medicines do you good. And when we heard 
that He had given His blessing, and that you were getting 
better, we prayed that you might be made quite well and 
strong again : but we did not forget to thank Him for having 
heard and answered our prayers for you. And, dear Arthur, 
don't forget to be thankful. Why did we wish that you might 
live and not die now ? I will tell you. We pitied your papa 
and mamma, who love you very much ; especially your poor 
mamma, as she is herself, as you know, so weak that she is 
obliged to be far from home, and cannot come and see you. 
Then your sisters and brother, and kind friends at Caistor and 
here, all loved you, and wished that you might not die, and 
your dear papa travelled a long way to see you and comfort 
you. But there was another reason why we prayed to God to 
spare your life, and let you grow up to be a man. Shall I 



1840.] 



LETTER TO HIS GRANDSON. 



397 



tell you what that is ? Why, you have a soul, which is never 
to die. When your body shall die, it will be laid in the grave, 
and will become the food of worms ; but your soul will not 
then die, nor ever through all eternity. It will leave the body 
when the body shall die, and will either go to a place of torment 
or to a place of joy, and stay there till Christ shall raise all 
dead bodies from the graves ; and then every soul shall be 
joined again to its own body, and they who have done good 
shall go to heaven, but they who have done evil shall go to 
hell. Now we pray for your life because we very much want to 
see that God, by His Holy Spirit, is making you like Samuel 
and like Timothy. They loved the Word of God. Samuel 
had only a little part of the Bible in his day, and Timothy had 
only the Old Testament : the New Testament was not then 
written : but they both heartily loved and diligently read what 
they had. You have all the Bible ; and it will make you 
f wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.' 
These are St. Paul's words about Timothy. Perhaps you do 
not quite understand them. Christ came into the world to save 
us from hell. He is God, and joined Himself to us by being 
made man. And so He suffered and died in our stead. Now 
if you go every day in prayer to God, and say from your heart, 
( Father, for Christ's sake, who died for my sins, forgive me all 
my sins, and by Thy Holy Spirit take away all evil more and 
more from my heart, and make me more and more like Christ 
my Saviour,' then God will indeed be your Father, and make 
you a holy and happy child. He has sent this illness upon 
you, that you may be brought to think on these things. Get 
often alone, then, and pray that He would help you to give up 
your heart to Him ; for you are not your own ; Christ has a 
right to you, for He shed His precious blood for you. Oh, 
you would lead so happy a life, and your dear father and mother 
would so rejoice over you ! God help and bless you, Arthur ! 
I have written this to you in love to your soul, and am always 
Your loving grandfather, 

" Josiah Pratt." 



398 



LETTER TO HIS GRAND AUGHTER. 



[Chap. XIX. 



To his little grandaughter, six years of age, he 
addressed the following : — 

"2UtFeb. 1843. 

" MY DEAR JANE — 

" I was very glad to receive a note from you. Notes and 
letters are very useful, you know, when we are not able to 
speak to one another. They tell us one another's thoughts 
and wishes as plainly, though not so quickly, as when we are 
speaking together. 

" You tell me in this little note of yours some pleasant 
things. You thank me for some money, which I gave you in 
order to shew you my love.* It is pleasant to me to know that 
you are thankful ; and we hope and pray that, while you are 
thankful to us and to your dear parents, for the love which 
they and we can shew to you, you will be, above all, heartily 
and always thankful to your Heavenly Father, for sending His 
beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to die for our sins ; and 
for giving us every thing which we need, and especially His 
Holy Spirit, to teach us and lead us in the way of salvation. 
Pray often, my dear J ane : pray to your Heavenly Father for 
the pardon of all your sins, for the sake of Jesus, who suffered 
for them. Pray to Jesus, who loves children, and will pray 
for them to God His Father, if they will ask Him ; and 
happy and blessed will those children be for whom Jesus prays ! 
Pray also to the Holy Spirit, to make you feel your sins, and 
your need of pardon through Jesus Christ ; and to help you 
to understand and feel what you read in the Scriptures, and 
are taught by your dear papa and mamma. 

" You tell me also in your note that you write to thank me 
for what I gave to your brother and sister, because they are 
too little to write for themselves. This is just what brothers 
and sisters should do for one another. You will always, I 



* He had divided a sum bequeathed to him equally among all his 
grandchildren. 



1843.] 



FAMILY HUMILIATION. 



399 



hope, help one another in every thing which may be in your 
power. Be kind and loving, as Jesus is to you, and pray for 
one another, that you may be a family of love. 

" God bless you, my dear Jane, and make you like Samuel 
in the Old Testament, and like Timothy in the New ! Your 
mamma will tell you where to read about them. 
" I am ever 

" Your affectionate grandfather, 

"Josiah Pratt." 

The visitations of the Divine hand, before men- 
tioned, impressed on Mr. Pratt's mind the propriety 
of setting apart special seasons for family humiliation 
before God, and for intercession and thanksgiving on 
behalf of its various members according to their pecu- 
liar circumstances. He had adopted this practice 
himself many years, and recommended it to each of 
his children as they settled in life. The day which 
he chose was, the Friday before the Sunday on which 
the Lord's Supper was to be administered : and he 
adopted, at the same time, the practice of abstaining 
partially from his " usual food, so far," as he used to 
say, " as to remind us of the duty and fitness of ap- 
proaching the sacred ordinance in the true spirit of 
humility and repentance, and with renewed hold by 
faith on the merit and grace of our blessed Redeemer." 

He considered that the superstitious use or rather 
abuse of Fasting formed no valid argument against 
the proper observance of a practice, of which our Lord 
Himself set us an example, and which He recognised 
as a duty of His followers. 

At the beginning of the period embraced by this 
Chapter, Mr. Pratt had completed his 70th year : and 



400 



ADVANCING AGE. 



[Chap. XIX. 



though, in writing from Highgate of his own and Mrs. 
Pratt's health about that time, he says, " We are both 
increasingly sensible of the infirmities of age," he is 
able, however, to add, " We yet have abundant cause 
for thankfulness ;" and then gives no very insignificant 
proof of the vigour of his constitution for such a time of 
life ; — " A few days ago I walked ten or twelve miles, 
and to-day I have walked from London." 

But every year began now to remind him more 
than ever, that life must soon close and eternity open 
upon him. It is instructive to observe the humility 
and watchfulness, with \vhich he marked the years as 
they passed. On the 21st of Dec. 1839, he writes to 
his son : — 

" I am writing on my birth-day, when I enter my 72d 
year — a monument of mercy ! Spared, when I might have 
been justly destroyed, thousands of times ; and still living far 
beneath what I ought to be, and might be, if faith drew out 
of the fulness of our Great Head that supply of His Spirit 
which he is ready to bestow." 

A year and a half later he writes again : — 

" I feel very sensibly the progress of years. This 73d 
year is making more rapid inroads on my strength, than any 
other which I remember. * * * * As death and judgment 
come near, and are presented to me at times with a more 
realizing power, the remembrance of former grievous sins and 
the sense of present omissions and short-comings drive me 
more simply to the Cross. Pray for me, dear John, and pray 
for Josiah and yourself, that we may be ' fervent in spirit, 
serving the Lord ! ' Oh that we could feel habitually the value 
of a single soul — of every sermon — of every hour — of the 
precious blood shed for sinners ! " 



18 -12.] A PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE. 401 

At the beginning of his 74th year he writes : — 

" The last year has made inroads on my constitution which 
warn me to expect the natural course of things." But adds : — 
" For a long life of unusual freedom from acute and weakening 
disease, though carrying with me almost always some trouble- 
some infirmities, I have great reason to be thankful. And so 
I have for merciful deliverances in imminent dangers." 

He then narrates a special deliverance which he 
had just experienced, from an accident which might 
have proved of the most serious nature : — 

" On the 30th of last month [Dec] I had a narrow escape 
from broken bones, if not from immediate death, in walking 
into a vault in St. Stephen's, which had been opened and 
inadvertently left uncovered. I fell in up to my arm-pits 
nearly, and was stopped by some steps ; but mercifully escaped 
all serious mischief, though I was greatly shaken by the fall. 
God be praised ! You must, yourself, have encountered many 
manifest, and perhaps more unseen perils, in your precipitous 
climbings and descendings, but God has sent His angels to 
your aid: for that is still true concerning those who truly 
commit themselves in all their ways to the Lord — ' He shall 
give His angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.' 
We have no promise of exemption from all evil occurrents ; 
but if any are permitted to befal the true servant of God, he 
knows that they are under the special direction of His Heavenly 
Father's hand, and such as he knows are, in their circumstances 
and consequences, for his greatest good." 

The same year he writes again in the same holy 
frame of mind : — 

" We, your father and mother, have many loud calls around 
us to prepare to leave the world. But age and its growing 
infirmities, with the separations of our children from us, and 

D D 



402 



DEATH OF MRS. SIMCOX. 



[Chap. XIX. 



the snapping of those bands which seem to tie us down to the 
world, do not, of themselves, raise the soul to heaven. There 
must be actual flowings of grace from Him who giveth more 
and sufficient and seasonable grace. Pray for this on behalf 
of your old parents, that, while the outward man decayeth, the 
inward man may grow stronger and stronger, and while things 
around us are saying ' Arise, this is not your rest,' we may have 
grace to obey. 

" Pray for us, that our numberless sins and failings may 
make us to ' go softly ' down to the grave, while our hearts are 
cheered and assured of acceptance in the Beloved, and feel the 
sanctified benefit of all the Divine dealings with us and ours." 

Mr. Pratt's last visit to his native place was on 
occasion of the death of his only surviving sister/ Mrs. 
Simcox, in the 77th year of her age. She was the 
widow of George Simcox, Esq., a man well known, 
and highly esteemed as a magistrate, and the active 
promoter of good of every kind in the town of Bir- 
mingham. Mrs. Simcox died on the 28th of April, 
1843, having outlived her husband and all her eight 
children, except the youngest. Mr. Pratt went to her 
funeral, taking with him one of his daughters, who 
describes the solemnities of the occasion in a letter 
written to her friends at home on the following day. 
After mentioning the previous circumstances, she goes 
on to say, c( We all gathered together, the whole party 
and household, to the number of twenty-seven, for my 
father to address them and improve the solemn event. 
He began by giving out the hymn. It is a hymn 
of Dr. Watts's, which begins, ( Give me the wings 

* An Obituary of another sister, Charlotte, who died in 1832, is given 
in the Appendix, from the " Missionary Register " of that year. 



1843.] 



FUNERAL OF MRS. SIMCOX. 



403 



of faith to rise/ and then chose 1 Thess. iv. 13 — 18 to 
ground his remarks upon. On beginning the passage, 
and reading 6 concerning them that are asleep/ he 
was so overcome that he was obliged to pause for a 
minute or two ; and when he could speak, he said that 
it was the remembrance of one whom he had known 
and loved for more than seventy years that caused 
such emotion, and hoped he should be excused for not 
being able to command his feelings. After making a 
general exposition of the passage, he gave a brief 
view of his sister's life — of his own early religious 
intercourse with her, when his mind, at the age of 
seventeen, became religiously affected, and the comfort 
and help she was to him in directing him forward — 
of her steady and consistent religious profession in the 
various stages of her life, and under the numerous 
trials and domestic bereavements which fell to her 
portion — and the example which she has left to all 
to follow her steps if they ever hope to attain to that 
life upon which she has now entered. In the end, he 
spoke of the voice with which this event appeals to all 
regarding the state of their own souls, and how impor- 
tant it is that we should not let it pass without a 
serious inquiry as to the benefit we receive from it." 
He writes afterward to Mrs. Pratt : — 

" All is now at rest and in silence, but has a loud voice to 
you and to me, my dear love. May the free and sovereign 
grace and mercy of the Lord greatly quicken our souls ; and 
may this dispensation be made a blessing to all, old and young, 
who are now assembled here to mourn over and to bury our 
sister ! " 

D D 2 



404 A LETTER ADDRESSED [Chap. XIX. 

In the autumn of 1843, he and Mrs. Pratt spent a 
few weeks at Hartfield in Sussex, the living of his 
brother-in-law, the Rev. John Jowett. Here they 
passed the forty-sixth anniversary of their wedding- 
day. In the following reply to one of the various 
letters of congratulation which they had received from 
their children upon this happy occasion, we see the 
same blessed preparation of heart for that great and 
happy change which he was soon to undergo. It is 
addressed to his son and his second daughter, who 
were then in town. Similar ones were addressed to 
his other children : — 

" Your mother unites with me in accepting and heartily 
thanking you for your wishes and desires that God may 
grant us many happy returns of our marriage commemora- 
tion." 

But, as if conscious that " many" returns of the day 
could not occur to one of his advanced age, he adds : — 

" I say 6 accepting,' for we do this as a token of your love ; but 
our calmest thoughts and feelings lead us to value most of all 
that interest which we trust and believe that we possess in the 
prayers of all our children, that now — when we are old and 
grey-headed, and flesh and heart begin to fail, and conscience 
testifies of broken vows, and unfruitful lives, and neglected 
opportunities — we may have the witness of the Holy Spirit 
with our spirits, that we are labouring to ' walk in the light, as 
He is in the light,' and that ' the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth 
us from all sin.' Let us pray for one another, that we may 
all live in the realizing view of death, judgment, and eternity : 
and may you all particularly bear us in mind before the Throne 
of Grace, that the special supplies of grace which our growing 
infirmities need, may be ever mercifully granted to us. Memory 



1843.] 



TO HIS CHILDREN. 



405 



fails, the perceptions are more dull, the affections are less 
lively, more effort is required to break through the sway of the 
senses, we are ' afraid of that which is high, and fears are in 
the way, and the almond-tree flourishes, and the grasshopper 
is a burden, and desire fails,' — all which should speak loudly 
to us that we are going to our long home, and that the 
mourners will soon go about the streets, testifying that the 
places on earth which have known us shall know us no more. 

" On grace, therefore, on sovereign and almighty grace, we 
lean ; and we desire our dear children to remember, that we 
count it an evidence of their enlightened and special love when 
they pray for us, that, as flesh and heart shall continue to fail, 
our God, our reconciled Father in Christ Jesus, would take us 
up, and be the strength of our hearts, until the conflict is over, 
and then be our portion for ever. 

" In return, we shall not cease to pray for you, as we habi- 
tually do, family by family and one by one, that each may 
e stand perfect and entire in all the will of God ;' that those of 
you, in particular, who are put in trust with the ministry may 
' meditate upon these things, and give themselves wholly to 
them, that their profiting may appear to all ;' and that all the 
others, like Levites helping the priesthood, may remember that 
every one has a place assigned in the work of the Lord. 

" Oh for more supplies of grace out of the fulness which is 
treasured up for the Church in its Great Head ! that we two, 
leading the way, the younger ministers following, the female 
helpers lending their hands, and the thirteen grandchildren in 
due time (with any who shall be added) called into service, may 
all at length meet before the throne of God and of the Lamb ! 
" We are ever, my dear children, 

" Your affectionate parents, 

" Josiah Pratt. 

" Elizabeth Pratt." 

His correspondence of the following year, the last 



406 



ADVANCING AGE. 



[Chap. XIX. 



of his sojourn upon earthy opened with an almost 
prophetic intimation of his approaching end. " Old 
age/' he tells his son abroad, " threatens to pull me 
down." " Oh ! pray for me/' he writes a fortnight 
later, "that this may be a year of constant maturing 
for that world, on which I must very soon enter." At 
an intermediate date he writes : — 

" The time for action has greatly passed away, and is still 
swiftly passing. * * * * Most blessed will this season of 
my life be to me, if our compassionate Saviour shall be pleased 
to grant me a larger measure' of His grace and Spirit, that I 
may sink deeper in self-loathing and hatred of sin, and grow 
strong and vigorous in the exercise of faith and grateful love. 
Pray for me, dear John, and for your dear mother, that the 
special wants and failings of old age may be supplied out of 
Christ's fulness, and all our sins forgiven, and we ourselves, 
while we are compelled to say e My flesh and my heart faileth,' 
may be able, with firm and growing confidence, to add, ' But 
God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.' " 

And in March, he observes to the Bishop of Calcutta, 
in a letter which we have already quoted : — 

" Your reference to dear Father Scott's accustomed saying, 
i I wish to end well? awakens in my mind the solemn 
thoughts of approaching judgment. * * * * Pray for me, my 
dear friend, that, through sovereign grace and mercy, I may 
indeed end well. My bodily infirmities have of late increased 
much upon me, and compel me to withdraw from almost all 
active service in various Societies, that I may spend my remain- 
ing days and strength in pastoral labours at home." 

At the commencement of the year 1844, he was 
obliged to make a change in his daily habits, which, 
while it indicated a failure in bodily strength, reveals 



1844.] RECOLLECTIONS OF AN OLD FRIEND. 407 



his continued perseverance up to this time in that 
habit of early rising, which was doubtless one cause of 
his retaining such a degree of vigour and activity to 
so great an age. 

« My old friend, Dr. Farre," he writes, Feb. 10, 1844, 
" who considers my case symptomatic of debility and 
exhaustion, has prescribed more sleep. I gave up, in 
consequence, this morning, for the first time these 
many, many years, my system of rising punctually at 
six, and take eight hours bed, at present from eleven 
to seven :" and then he adds, " I find this likely to 
derange my habits of mind, for some time at least ; 
but may perhaps change in the summer from ten to 
six, the main object being to secure longer rest to the 
weakened frame." 

This Chapter may be appropriately closed with a 
letter from Mr. Pratt to Mrs. Townsend, daughter of 
the late Rev. W. Jesse, his first Incumbent. It will 
be read with additional interest, after the following 
extract from a letter of Mrs. Townsend's, transmitting 
a copy of Mr. Pratt's to his eldest son : — 

" Thorpe Rectory, near Newark, Notts, Oct. 4, 1846. 

" Your father was indeed an ' old friend.' When I was 
very young — say about twelve or fourteen or fifteen — I was 
not in a state to value, as I ought, his religious state of mind ; 
but I can tell you that my recollections of him, at the age 
nearly of sixty-five, are very delightful to me. He induced me 
at that early period of my life, when he was Curate to my 
father, to leave off slave sugar (indeed, there was then no 
other sugar), to decrease the demand for Negro slaves from 
Africa, and that we might not partake in other men's sins. * * * 



40S 



LETTER FROM MR. PRATT 



[Chap. XIX. 



" I used to take great pleasure in his conversation, and in 
the interesting stories he told me. I remember that he gave 
me a Book full of Wonders : but when at a distance from West 
Bromwich, he recollected something was wrong in the volume ; 
and on his return to my father's house he sat down, with 
anxiety, to tear leaf after leaf out of the book, of that which 
was amiss. Would that this could be done, before they go to 
press, to all the publications that may hereafter reach the eyes 
and the hearts of the young. 

" In 1796, I remember, he kindly gave me Rousseau's and 
Marty n's { Botany,' encouraging me to pursue that study as 
well as gardening, in which he used to assist me : and I can 
see him now, in my mind's eye, assisting me to carry a large 
heavy turf full of wild anemonies to place in my own garden. 
As a Curate, assisting my father, sometimes at Dowles and 
sometimes at W r est Bromwich, he was much beloved by my 
father. 

" I remain, dear Sir, 

" Very truly yours, 

" Lucy Townsend." 

The following is Mr. Pratt's letter, a copy of which 
Mrs. Townsend transmitted : — 

" London, Finsbury Circus, July 29, 1844. 
(i You take me back forty years, my dear friend, as the time 
during which we have been known to each other ; but I must 
take you back about ten years more ; for it is nearly fifty years 
since I became your father's Curate,* and you were shooting 
upward with what we should call, in these days, a f railroad 
rapidity.' I heartily respond to your declaration concerning 
the whole period. ' God's patience with me in that time is 
wonderful ! ' May His grace abound toward us, and toward 



* A slip of memory : it was over fifty-two years, as appears by the 
letters of orders, still in possession of the Editors : see p. 8 above. 



1844.] 



TO MRS. TOWNSEND. 



409 



all who are dear to us ! Many and sore troubles we have 
seen, and many and great blessings we have been entrusted 
with ; but we must both say, * Enter not into judgment with 
Thy servants, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.' 
1 If Thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall 
stand ? But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest 
be feared.' As we draw near to the grave, and to the search- 
ing day to which it will bring us, let us seek more clear and 
undoubted testimony that ' the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth 
from all sin, while we walk in the light as He is in the light.' 
When we can get a glimpse, in their true light, of the countless 
omissions of the thoughts, designs, and acts of love which we 
have all our life long owed to our God and Saviour, and to one 
another for His sake, there can be no rest for the soul but in 
boundless mercy through boundless merit ! May that bound- 
less mercy rest on you and on me, and on all our dear friends. 
Oh let us cling to Christ / 

* * * * * * * 

" The notion of the Church Missionary Society giving up 
New Zealand must have originated from the course which the 
Society will naturally adopt, whenever our Lord shall so far 
honour it as to make it instrumental of gathering settled and 
enlightened congregations from among the heathen, and they 
become united and governed under the Episcopal Government 
of godly men : then will the Society naturally push further into 
the wilds of heathenism, and continue to repeat this progress 
till it finds no such wilds to break up. 

" Mrs. Pratt and my family unite in very kind regards with, 
my dear Mrs. Townsend, 

" Your old friend, 

"Josiah Pratt." 



CHAPTER XX. 

1844. 

LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH. 

We have already seen that Mr. Pratt's mind had been 
for some time past drawn to the contemplation of 
that solemn event which was to remove him from this 
scene of labour and suffering to his eternal rest. The 
following narrative of the last weeks of his life, drawn 
up by his eldest son, from memoranda written at the 
time, is a faithful relation of his views and feelings 
during that solemn period. 



During the last year of his life, ever since he wrote 
the letter to his children on the forty-sixth anniver- 
sary of his marriage, he was, as all his friends thought, 
visibly declining : he became almost inaudible in the 
pulpit, unsteady in his walking, and generally weaker. 
Whenever tidings reached him of the death of any 
friend, he made a self-application of it, and seemed to 
consider it as another call to prepare. And in con- 
nection with these forebodings, it may be further 
stated that he began to speak much and very humbly 
of his past life. He told me one day that he could 
see a great mixture of motives in many of his per- 
formances. On another occasion he remarked that 
persons sometimes spoke of his labours with a com- 
mendation which they did not deserve, for that God 
had so constituted his mind, and had so ordered the 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



411 



circumstances of his early life and education, that 
labour was less an effort to him than it would have 
been to others — nay, was pleasant ; but that such an 
one (naming a much valued friend) was an angel 
in comparison with himself. The thought of sin, 
and particularly omissions of duty, often troubled 
and depressed him : he said that when he read 
those injunctions of Timothy : " Do the work of an 
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry," he felt 
ashamed and confounded. My dear mother at such 
times directed him to the Saviour ; and on one 
occasion reminded him of " Christian," who felt his 
burden intolerable till he got a view of the Cross, 
when his burden fell off. He seemed, however, afraid 
of making too light of sin, and of making a presump- 
tuous use of his privilege ; and wondered how persons, 
not remarkable for their Christian consistency, could 
exhibit such confidence of their acceptance. His 
feelings on this point seem to be well expressed in 
those words, " That thou mayest remember, and be 
confounded, and never open thy mouth any more 
because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee 
for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God." 
Ezek. xvi. 63. He was reminded how God had blessed 
his labours, and how he had delighted in His service, 
as an evidence that he was a true servant of God. 
These facts he admitted, but thought that they only 
aggravated his unfaithfulness, and he could not derive 
from them any confidence of his state. He was told 
that his reasonings rather savoured of self-righteous- 
ness and an endeavour to be satisfied with himself: at 



412 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



which he started, and seemed then to derive some 
comfort from the simple view of Christ. But he was 
evidently subject to great fluctuations. In connection 
with this trait of his mind it may be mentioned, that 
he became increasingly anxious to do all that he could 
for the spiritual welfare of his Parishioners, especially 
in visiting the sick. 

About the month of June, his increasing feebleness 
became more apparent, and by the advice of his medi- 
cal friends he was taken into the country. He spent 
about three weeks at Southborough, in Kent ; thence he 
removed to his brother-in-law's at Hartfieid, in Sussex, 
and returned home early in July, refreshed, but not 
essentially improved in health. He remained at home 
till the 6th of August, having preached three times 
during the interval : the last sermon was preached 
on the 4th of August, from 1 Cor. x. 11 — 13, part 
of the Epistle for the day, and was very characteristic of 
his state of mind as above described. He then removed 
to Clapham for a month ; but before the close of the 
period he was seized, on Friday, August 30, very early 
in the morning, with an attack, by which the left side 
and leg were for the time quite disabled. As my dear 
mother was attempting to raise him (for he had fallen 
on the ground) he said, " I wonder whether this is 
paralysis; it is a warning:" — adding, after a short 
pause, "the will of the Lord be done!" He reco- 
vered the use of his limbs, however, so rapidly, as 
to be able to walk down to breakfast, and afterwards 
to the carriage which conveyed him home. The next 
ten days he was so far himself again, that he paid at 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



413 



least five visits to sick persons, one of which was at 
St. Thomas's Hospital, a distance of above a mile, from 
whence, however, he was compelled to ride home. 
He likewise attended his own Church on two Sundays, 
both morning and evening, though without taking any 
part of the duty ; and on the first of them, being the 
1st of September, he attended the Lord's Table. On 
Tuesday, Sept. 10, while dressing, he fell, and was 
similarly affected as before, at Clapham ; the left arm 
also gradually became paralysed. He never again 
recovered the power of the left side. After cupping, 
he was removed to his bed, from which he never more 
rose. It is a great mercy that his mind was not 
affected by the stroke, and that, though his powers of 
speech were somewhat impaired, he was able to express 
himself intelligibly. On Wednesday morning, Sept. 
11, I had some conversation with him, in which he 
spoke in a depressed way of his own spiritual state. 
He spoke of grieving the Holy Spirit ; and said that 
he could never reconcile to himself the spiritual joy 
and confidence which some persons express, with the 
continual proneness of the heart to return to sin, 
after confessing and lamenting it, and resolving 
against it for the future, and then yielding again and 
again to the very same temptations. After dwelling 
on this subject for some time in reference to himself, 
he was urged to look off from himself, and more 
simply and entirely to Christ— to leave the reasoning 
part of the subject, and to come to Christ as the very 
sinner which he thought himself to be : that these are 
painful views of ourselves, which a survey of the past 



414 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



furnishes ; but they are very salutary, and intended 
to lead us to look more entirely to Christ as our All 
in All. My father said, in the course of the conver- 
sation, " God always deals with us as we deal with 
Him." " Generally," it was replied, " but surely not 
always, even as to comfort." My father answered, in a 
firm decided tone, " As a general rule, I believe it is so." 
He was reminded that God is a Sovereign, and will 
dispense His favours as He sees proper ; and that if he 
sought for comfort in the right way, no doubt but 
he would obtain it. The penitent thief was quoted, 
and it was observed how he had spent a whole life in 
ungodliness, and yet received such a remarkable word 
of comfort at the close — a To-day shalt thou be with 
me in paradise !" To which he replied, " I speak in 
reference to professing Christians." After some further 
conversation of the same nature he was reminded, 
that, although painful, it is at the same time cause 
of thankfulness, to be brought to feel sin in this way ; 
as, owing to his life having been laboriously spent 
in his Master's service, his temptation would rather 
have been to self-dependence. In the course of this 
interview I read to him the 40th Psalm, on his asking 
for the Psalm beginning a I waited patiently for 
the Lord." On Friday morning, Sept. 13, he said to 
my dear mother, " My disease makes my spirits weak ; 
this is the tendency of it." She said, " ' My flesh and 
my heart faileth ; but God is the strength of my hearty 
and my portion for ever.' Is he not your portion ?" 
He replied, " I desire to have no other portion. I 
wish all who have heard my living voice, to hear my 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



415 



dying voice calling them to Christ." He added, with 
much earnestness, " I charge you not to quench the 
Spirit's influences ; we are very apt to grieve the Spirit 
of God, and thereby lose much of our spiritual life ; 
for He is the Lord of life in our souls, and by Him we 
come to Christ." 

In the afternoon my sister Charlotte returned home, 
on a special summons, from the country. He was much 
overcome at the sight of her, and the following con- 
versation ensued. While she was speaking to him 
on the .state in which she found him, he interrupted her 
by saying, " You must not think of your father but as 
a poor miserable sinner, lost and undone but for the 
merits of his God and Saviour. On this very bed I 
have had great exercises of mind : such views of the 
responsibilities of my office, and of my own deficiency, 
short-comings, lost opportunities, that I have been 
almost tempted to doubt whether I am His servant!" 
She said to him, " But I hope, now that you are laid 
here, God comforts your heart." " I wish to have 
no comfort," he replied, " but that which springs from 
an assurance that I have an interest in the Covenant 
of Christ Jesus to penitent sinners." She said, " That 
is the comfort that I mean ; and have you not had 
that now?" " Yes, I have ; and He gives me perfect 
peace," he replied. She said, "And He lays beneath 
you His everlasting arms?" and he answered, " Yes, 
He does indeed ! " 

Saturday, Sept. lUh — Early in the morning he called 
my sister, and said, " Bring a pencil and paper : I 
wish you to add something to the daily family prayers 



416 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



for me, and I will tell you what to say while you 
write it down." He then dictated the following 
petitions : — 

" Thou knowest, O Lord, our peculiar trouble at 
this time. Thou hast laid Thy hand on him who 
has been long accustomed to lead our minds in their 
daily approaches to Thy Throne of Grace ; but Thou 
hast been pleased to lay him upon a bed of exceeding 
weakness, and he desires now by our mouths to pour 
out his petitions before Thee, and we humbly and 
heartily desire to plead for him in the name of Thy 
dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

"Our dear father feels the greatness and glory 
of the office, to which Thou hast called him for many 
years ; and as he approaches the time when he knows 
that he must give an account of his stewardship to 
his blessed Lord, he feels and laments numberless 
opportunities of speaking for Him and labouring for 
Him, which were neglected, or superficially embraced. 
He casts himself entirely upon the atoning sacrifice 
of Thy beloved Son, and prays that the Holy Spirit 
may witness to his heart the virtue of that atoning 
sacrifice in answering for him the condemnation of 
the Holy Law ; and he pleads before Thee the per- 
fect obedience to the Law of Thy Son our Saviour 
even unto death, as the only ground of title unto life 
everlasting. 

" We pray that Thou wouldst fulfil to him those 
blessed words which Thy holy Lawgiver uttered over 
Israel, 6 The eternal God is thy refuge, and under- 
neath are the everlasting arms. Israel then shall 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



417 



dwell in safety alone, O people, saved by the Lord, 
the shield of thy help. O let that blessing, that 
Aaron and his sons were directed to pronounce upon 
Israel, rest on the head of our dear father : 6 The Lord 
bless thee, and keep thee ; the Lord make His face to 
shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee ; the Lord 
lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee 
peace.' " 

He then dictated the following words, in which he 
desired the prayers of the congregation : — 

" The Minister of this parish, who is suffering 
under great bodily weakness, earnestly requests for 
himself the prayers of the congregation, that the Lord 
would be graciously pleased to restore him to the 
exercise of his ministry, and make him instrumental 
of bringing very many more of his dear parishioners to 
the saving knowledge of Christ, as their only atoning 
sacrifice and righteousness before God ; and to entire 
reliance on the life-giving, renewing, and sanctifying 
power of the Spirit, to render them meet for the 
kingdom of heaven." 

On my coming into the room afterwards, he wished 
me to read the foregoing form for requesting the 
prayers of the congregation, which I did ; when he 
added, 66 1 wish that to be considered as my testimony 
against the mischievous doctrines of those deluded men 
who are threatening the vitality of the Church, and 
as conveying to the people the doctrines which I feel 
to be most precious to my own soul at this time. I 
feel that all must be ascribed to the free love of God 
— to His election of us. Where St. John speaks of 

E E 



418 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



the love of God, he means to speak of His election of 
us ; though I would not say this to any one's dis- 
comfort." 

I observed, " You must have been very glad to see 
Charlotte : " he replied, " Yes ; but I am glad to see 
all your faces ; every countenance is a comfort to 
me ; they are all as the faces of angels." In the 
course of this afternoon he thought much of friends, 
and named some of them ; among others, the Ladies 
of the District Visiting Society : and he saw two 
or three friends, including his brother-in-law, Mr. 
Joshua Jowett, to whose family he sent the follow- 
ing affectionate message : " Remember me to your 
dear wife, and all your dear children : God bless 
them all ! I hope they will, every one of them, give 
themselves to Him. Let them be very zealous in 
living close to God ; watchful against the enemy and 
this evil world." He expressed a wish to see every 
one who called, — "that I may say something for 
the good of their souls." 

Dr. Farre saw him this evening, for the first time. 
He intimated to me afterwards, on my questioning 
him, that my father's state was "critical," and pro- 
hibited his seeing friends. On learning this prohi- 
bition, he charged his family that no one should be 
permitted to leave the house without being told, that 
he earnestly requested their prayers for the presence 
of the Holy Spirit in his heart, to witness to him that 
he was accepted in Christ. He asked what the 
Doctor thought of his case, and was answered that he 
said but little ; on which he observed, "Ah ; he thinks 



1344.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



419 



the case desperate ! " While watching by him this 
afternoon, I had some conversation with him about 
my brother John. His feelings were much moved 
at the recollection of him ; and on recovering, he 
said, " Tell him that the course in which he has been 
led, and the grace by which he has been sustained, 
have been a great comfort to me." 

On Sunday, Sept. 15, in the afternoon, Dr. Farre 
paid him a short visit, but left him with a text upon 
his mind, to which, with the anecdote accompanying 
it, he afterwards referred with much pleasure. On 
learning from my father how he felt, the Doctor said : 
" My youngest son is now seven years of age, and he 
said to his mother one day, 6 Well, after all, I think I 
will be a preacher.' ( And what shall you preach 
about, my dear ?' his mother said. ( God is well known 
in her palaces for a sure refuge,' was the answer :" 
with which the Doctor shook hands with my father, and 
retired. My father seemed animated with the subject, 
and said, " If the sermon is as good as the text, it will 
be a capital one :" and when I came into the room he 
said, " How wonderfully the providence of God works ; 
He permitted that little child to say a thing which 
quite came home to my heart, and will probably be 
the comfort of many others." 

Monday, Sept. 16 — One of my sisters was sitting by 
him quietly for some time this morning, after which 
he remarked, "We must not think of heaven as a place 
where there is nothing to do. There will be service 
for God there ; but it will all be holy. Oh, if I may 
but be a hewer of wood in the spiritual temple !" and, 

e e 2 



420 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



on her referring to the freedom from sin as a hindrance, 
he repeated with great emphasis — 

" O glorious hour ! O blest abode ! 
I shall be near and like my God : 
And flesh and sin no more controul 
The sacred pleasures of my soul \" 

He asked to have the first chapter of the Revelation 
read to him. On hearing that part which describes the 
Apostle's feelings when falling at the feet of the angel, 
my father said, " The first sight which a pure and holy 
being has of the Saviour must be almost overwhelm- 
ing!" He went on in the same strain, expressing 
his desire that he might enjoy that sight, — that the 
Lord would prepare him for it. On the remark 
being made, " A sense of His presence here is a 
kind of foretaste of it," he replied, " Very weak." 
Referring again, in the afternoon, to the subject upon 
which he had dwelt in the morning, he said to my 
dear wife, " Perhaps the Saviour has some work for 
me to do in heaven, which I was not willing to do 
on earth. There may be hewers of wood and drawers 
of water there : if it is so, I shall be most thankful 
to be one of them." " Yes," she replied, " the lowest 
place there will be abundant happiness ;" to which 
he fully assented. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Service for the Visitation 
of the Sick was read to him, to which he listened very 
attentively, frequently responding with an impressive 
" Amen ! " and solemnly enunciating after the Creed, 
" All this I stedfastly believe." 

Wednesday, Sept. 18 — After a restless night, op- 



1844] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



421 



pressed with a sense of inward heat and suffocation, 
at six o'clock in the morning he desired to have the 
22d chapter of the Revelation read to him, saying to 
one of my sisters who was sitting by him, " I want the 
water of life abundantly. I take large draughts of 
this (alluding to the water which was continually given 
to him, to allay his thirst), but they are not satisfying. 
Oh, pray for the Holy Spirit to be poured out abun- 
dantly on my soul !" An hour after, he wished to hear 
it again ; and when the 17th verse was read, "The Spirit 
and the bride say, Come : and let him that heareth say, 
Come : and let him that is athirst come : and whoso- 
ever will, let him take the water of life freely," he said 
feebly, " I — will — come — and take freely — of the water 
— of life — for my soul's preparation for the eternal life 
— asleep in Jesus ! — dying in Christ ! — falling asleep 
in Jesus ! " He dwelt very much upon the 1st and 
17th verses of this chapter to-day ; and after hearing 
them again, he said, " The solace of all woe ! — the joy 
of eternity ! — Oh, my soul longeth for one draught of 
that water, clear as crystal !" raising his hand solemnly 
at each of the above pauses. 

This day he asked me, if there was any thing parti- 
cular in the parish. I told him of various sick persons 
who were then under visitation: he inquired about 
several particularly, and added, " Prosecute your work 
with the poor." He then took firmly hold of my 
hand, and, looking stedfastly at me, said, " I pray 
God, Josiah, to make you a constant and faithful 
witness for Christ : be instant in season and out of 
season : pray much : walk closely in communion with 



422 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



God." He kept hold of my hand, and, when I was 
leaving, he re-called me, again took hold of me, and 
looked at me without speaking. 

Thursday, Sept, 19 — Being desirous of seeing cer- 
tain friends, but reminded that he was prohibited by 
the physician, he said, " But I want to do what it 
becomes me in this situation — to warn others — to 
reprove others — to stir up others." 

This morning we received from Norwich a supply 
of grapes, and a note from my sister Caroline, in which 
she expressed her affectionate anxiety to minister to his 
comfort, and a hope that this present might suggest 
to his mind a new topic of consolation, — quoting the 
following passages relating to the fruit of the vine. 
" I am the Vine, ye are the branches ; abide in me and 
I in you :" and, " I will no more drink of this fruit of 
the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you 
in my Father's kingdom." She also reminded him 
that it was Christ's own given emblem of His precious 
blood, in which might we all, through infinite mercy, 
be washed ! Her message was read to him, and it 
drew tears from his eyes ; though he said nothing till 
he was asked, while taking some of the grapes, whether 
they were nice ; when he replied, " Every thing is 
nice that comes from the hand of love, and these come 
with a sacramental signification;" and he afterwards 
often alluded to the emblem with comfort, 

A little while after this, he asked for the passage 
about David's three mighty men, who went through 
the host of the Philistines to bring him water from the 
well of Bethlehem, to which he very often afterwards 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



423 



referred when refreshing himself with a cooling draught 
of water. At the same time he was reminded of the 
Spiritual Rock which followed the Israelites through 
the wilderness, 1 Cor. x. 4; when he remarked, 
" Whence we may gather, that Christ was an ordinance 
to them all through the wilderness. They actually 
had that sacrament in their consecrated water ; and 
Christ, the heavenly manna, was living bread to their 
souls." He afterwards spoke with reference to his 
own meditations, as " delightful views of what will take 
place as soon as we set foot in eternity — water of life 
— the throne of God and the Lamb — all through the 
electing love of God ! " When he looked off from 
himself, the free actings of his faith were very observ- 
able. In the evening of the same day some of the 
family sang some hymns in his room, by his desire, 
beginning with " Oh come, Thou wounded Lamb of 
God !" which was proposed by himself. " Raise your 
triumphant songs," was then suggested ; but my father 
said, that he would rather have something of a more 
penitential kind. "When I survey the wondrous 
Cross " having been proposed, he said, " We cannot do 
better." He seemed much to enjoy the singing, and 
attempted to join, though in a feeble, broken voice. 
It appeared afterwards that he supposed it to be 
Sunday evening ; and from the failure of memory he 
was continually mistaking the days. After this he 
said, "A sick chamber is a place for faith; if you 
have not faith, you had better not come here :" and 
then alluded to a well-known work, lately published, 



424 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



on the sick-chamber, as being " so cold and unchris- 
tian, with no reference to the Atonement." 

Friday, Sept. 20 — This morning, my father having 
been told that we should be writing to my sister and 
brother-in-law in New Zealand, and asked whether 
he had any message to them, he said, " Describe how 
I am lying here ; that that limb will probably go :. 
it may recover : I may have the use of it partially 
for a time, but it is not at all certain : that while I 
am so debilitated in the leg and arm, I must cease all 
public activity. I am very heartily glad that I have 
been drawn into activity so many years, and wish I 
could continue to the end ; but the will of the Lord 
be done ! Tell Sampson and Marianne both, that I 
have never ceased to pray for them by name. Tell 
Emerton * that I remember her in my prayers by name, 
and the children name by name ; and I bless her for 
all the kindness that she has shewn to Marianne, and 
for the comfort that Marianne has had in her : and I 
hope Marianne feels the comfort of the text which I 
gave her — '1 will hope' in the Lord 'continually.' 
It is marked in my Bible." 

This morning Mr. T. Simcox Lea went up to see my 
father, and was much struck with his altered appear- 
ance in consequence of this illness, and thought him 
sinking fast. He spoke in a very humble strain of 
his own feelings, and state, and past course ; and spoke 
with animation to Mr. Lea about his future course of 



* A faithful old servant in my father's family, who had nursed Mrs. 
Kempthorne from her birth, and accompanied her to New Zealand. 



1344.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



125 



life, improving his means of usefulness — his influence 
with others. This was all in a very low tone of voice, 
from his great weakness. 

Saturday ', Sept. 21 — My dear father sank so much, 
that he appeared almost going. My uncle, the Rev. 
William Jowett, called and saw him for a few minutes, 
and said little, but left with him the text — " God be 
merciful to me a sinner.' , My father afterwards 
spoke of this text with pleasure. In the evening of 
this day of extreme exhaustion, the following conver- 
sation passed between him and one of my sisters who 
was fanning him, as we were often obliged to do. He 
said, "My life seems divided between bodily and 
mental anguish. The bodily is very much alleviated 
by the bountiful goodness of God, in providing such 
kind friends and helps." He paused awhile, and she 
replied, " And I hope God comforts your soul to 
alleviate the mental anguish?" "Yes, I think He 
does," he said. She added, " When you were lying 
still so long this morning, I hoped God was speaking 
words of peace and comfort to you." " Yes, I think 
He did," he answered : " nothing but a revelation from 
God can make me say I am a pardoned sinner, pre- 
pared for eternal life." "Do you long for heaven?" 
" Yes, indeed I do, if I can but feel prepared : Oh 
what a song shall I sing then ! Glory to God in the 
highest ! Everlasting thanks to Jesus ! " 

He spoke much to-day of his wish, that we should all 
partake of the Lord's Supper with him on the morrow. 

Sunday, Sept. 22 — On my mother asking him how 
he felt, he said, " How do you mean, my mind or 



426 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



body?" She said, "I then meant, were you more 
comfortable in your bodily feelings " (for he had been 
very restless in the night from heat and thirst). He 
said he was easy ; but added, " I deeply feel, that 
all these kind attentions to the body will not be 
needed long. I thirst and am refreshed, but soon I 
thirst again : but it will soon be over. The body is 
of no consequence. It is the importance of the life of 
the soul that I wish to impress upon you. The 
immortal life must be sustained. I more and more 
feel the importance of living near to God, and seeking 
the quickening influences of the Holy Spirit." This 
afternoon we all partook of the Lord's Supper with 
him. 

Monday j Sept 23 — Mr. Eickersteth's name was 
announced, and my mother came up to see if my dear 
father could bear a short visit from him. He said, 
" Yes, I should like to hear his voice ; it will refresh 
me." Mr. Bickersteth came up, and my father put 
out his hand to shake his, while Mr. Bickersteth said 
to him, " My dear Mr. Pratt, the Lord is good — a 
stronghold in the day of trouble." My father ex- 
pressed his feelings in so feeble a manner, that Mr. 
Bickersteth could not hear his observations, till one of 
my sisters, who was accustomed to his weak voice, 
repeated them as he uttered them. They were mostly 
of that humble, self-abasing character, which was such 
a prevailing feature of his mind. He mourned over 
his distance from God, and said, among other things, 
" The reason that I cannot now always feel that God 
is mine and I am His is, because I did not come to 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



427 



Him before, as I ought to have done. I now feel that 
all my prayers in health were of a very superficial 
character. All my support is in the publican's con- 
fession, ' God be merciful to me a sinner ! ' " Mr. 
Bickersteth spoke much to him on looking from him- 
self to Jesus, who has made our peace with God, and 
reconciled us to Him with His own blood : and quoted 
many encouraging texts, to which my father listened 
with all the teachableness of a child. It was quite 
striking, to s£e the two experienced Christian friends 
and brother-ministers taking, as it might be, their last 
farewell of each other. Mr. Bickersteth reminded 
him, however, that he had himself been laid aside 
with a somewhat similar attack, and had recovered, 
and he trusted God would raise him up also. But 
my father pointed to his arm and then said, " Look here ; 
here is an arm gone, and a leg gone /" To my mother, 
who went down stairs with him, Mr. Bickersteth stated 
that he was quite delighted with his interview, and 
said that Mr. Pratt was just in the state of mind in 
which he could wish to see him — just that in which 
an old veteran should be ; and added, that he was 
regarded by all as a father in Israel.* 



* Mr. Bickersteth, in his Funeral Sermon, remarks of Mr. Pratt : — 
" He was always moderate in his expression of his own religious feelings, 
and afraid of uttering a word more than his conscious experience at the 
-moment would strictly warrant. Of this measured and cautious disposi- 
tion in regard to his language he gave very remarkable instances in his 
last days. He had joyful and even triumphant feelings, yet when ques- 
tioned he would not testify it, but repeatedly answered, 4 If I were to say 
more than I do, I should be deceiving you,' &c." 



423 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



In reference to the prayer of the publican, I may 
here mention, how strikingly the circumstance of its 
now being often on his lips illustrates a remark of 
his own, in a sermon preached by him in 1829 at 
St Lawrence's, and with which we have been favoured 
by one of his old attendants ; who writes, " Ever since 
his illness I have had upon my mind one of his own 
sentiments delivered in one of the valued sermons at 
St. Lawrence Jewry, one Wednesday evening in 1829. 
< Growth in grace does not consist in laying aside the 
prayer of the publican, but in crying with ten thou- 
sand fold more earnestness than ever, God be merciful 
to me a sinner ! ' " 

This week most serious and distressing symptoms 
appeared in the case, which much increased his suffer- 
ings. He mentioned to me one day that he felt his 
situation very humiliating. I told him that it was pro- 
bably designed of God to perfect his patience, and 
quoted, " Let patience have her perfect work, that ye 
may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing ;" in 
which he most heartily acquiesced, and prayed for 
grace to be patient. 

Tuesday, Sept. 24 — In the course of to-day, my 
father heard an affectionate letter received from one 
of his brothers in the country, in which he alluded to 
some circumstances connected with their father's 
death, and mentioned his enjoyment, in his last illness, 
of the well-known hymn — 

" Jesus, I love Thy charming name ! " 

My father was much affected at hearing the letter, 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



429 



and sent an affectionate message in return; but in 
conversation afterwards, on hearing the hymn just 
mentioned read to him, he made the following remarks 
upon it, with great clearness and energy : " I have an 
objection to that hymn ; all those kind of comparisons 
about gold and jewels are, I don't say out of the 
question, because most of them are, in some respects, 
scriptural ; but they don't convey any idea to me. 
Give me ten millions a year, compare that to Christ, 
it is all worthless : it is not a fit subject of comparison. 
His qualifications and offices and relations to us are of 
another kind. Then I have an objection to such very 
strong declarations about — 6 Music is not half so 
sweet,' and 6 light not half so pleasant.' Light is 
pleasant to a man in a way very different from what 
Jesus is, and so is music : each in their way is very 
good; but they are not to be compared. These 
things rather trouble me : they set me on looking for 
comparisons, which convey nothing to me." On its 
being remarked to him, " Yes, you like to go straight 
to Christ as what He is — suitable to the soul," — he 
replied, wdth peculiar energy, " Yes, there He is ! — 
there He shines ! " He soon continued, " And yet I 
would be very careful of running that opinion too 
hard, because I see that there are such Divine com- 
parisons in Revelation." On being asked whether he 
meant in the Book of Revelation, or in Scripture gene- 
rally, he said, " I mean the Book of St. John." He 
added, " Now be very careful in what I say to you of 
these things, because I must be careful not to mislead 
you." My father had very lately been diligently 



430 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



reading, with much interest, the first two volumes of 
the Rev. E. B. Elliott's work on the Apocalypse, which 
was, no doubt, the occasion of this allusion to that 
part of Scripture. His illness prevented his pro- 
ceeding with the work. 

This afternoon, he was much interested in hearing 
of a very kind visit to the family from the Rev. George 
Lea and Mrs. Lea, of Birmingham ; and on hearing that 
Mr. Lea had remarked, in reference to my father's 
state of mind, that we do not always look for joy, that 
it is peace and the assurance of faith that we must 
look for, my father looked earnestly and said, " St. 
Peter speaks of joy and peace in believing : where 
faith is in lively exercise, there will be that." It was 
then observed to him, " You have felt that formerly, 
but now the body affects the mind — the body presses 
down the soul." He replied with much emphasis, and 
in a tone of holy resignation, " All is with the Lord — 
the eternal God — the King of saints — immortal, invi- 
sible, the only wise God," 

Tuesday, Sept 24 — To-day my uncle, the Rev. John 
Jowett, came to town, on account of my father's state ; 
and returned with the conviction, after having had 
interviews with the medical attendants, that it was not 
likely to prove a lingering case, though he scarcely 
apprehended so speedy a close. 

Saturday, Sept. 28 — Allusion being again made to 
his helpless condition, my mother said, " This is a 
very humbling dispensation to you, but it is meant for 
your profit." He replied, " Yes, it is very trying ; 
but do not any of you think that I murmur when I 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



431 



express my feelings. I delight to lie at His feet, and 
to bear all that He is pleased to lay upon me. Pray 
for me, that I may be enabled to submit to His hand." 
She said, u We do pray for you ; and I think our prayers 
have already been answered, in the patient submission 
that you feel to the will of God, which could only be 
given you by His Holy Spirit." 

Chapman's newly-invented patent couch for invalids 
was this evening introduced, at the suggestion of the 
medical attendant, and proved a most valuable allevia- 
tion to his sufferings. We must acknowledge also, 
with much gratitude, the constant and unwearied 
attention of his medical friends, which often drew 
forth expressions of thankfulness from my dear 
father. 

Sunday, Sept. 29 — To-day a hymn was read to him, 
which he first heard last Sunday, and which he parti- 
cularly enjoyed, and often asked for afterwards, 
" God of mercy and compassion." The last two lines 
particularly attracted his attention — 

" Righteousness, Divine Atonement, 
Peace and Everlasting Love." 

On hearing it to-day he said, " It is a remarkable 
hymn : it goes from one thing to another, and is so 
much the exercise of my own mind — what I have 
passed through." After a pause he said, referring to 
the last lines of the hymn, " Righteousness, the want of 
it : Divine Atonement, the only refuge. What next ?" 
On the line being repeated, " Peace and everlasting 
love," he continued, "Peace, when the conflict is over ; 



432 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



and what can hold up a poor sinner in the hope of 
heaven?" After a pause he added, "Righteousness 
and Divine Atonement," his memory perhaps not sup- 
plying the words " Everlasting Love." 

My dear father was much more comfortable to-day ; 
and I must confess, that I felt encouraged to cherish 
some hopes of his partial recovery ; which, however, 
were soon to be checked again. 

Monday, Sept. 30 — ■ Yesterday I preached on " My 
grace is sufficient for thee/' and stated that my dear 
father was much supported : to this he alludes at 
the end of the following conversation, which passed this 
morning between him and one of my sisters, who had 
not been at church on that occasion. " When friends 
come to inquire after me, how do you speak of my state 
before God?" i( That you are lying at the foot of the 
Cross : that you are humbly trusting that God will par- 
don and accept you, through His Son Jesus Christ : 
and that you earnestly beg all your friends to pray, that 
God's Holy Spirit may witness to your heart that you 
are accepted. Is that right?" " Yes ; and that I am 
thankful for His great mercies. No ; that I am lying 
in His hands, and am thankful for many mercies, but 
waiting for His greatest mercy, eternal life. If I were 
to say more than I do, I should be deceiving you. Do 
you say that Josiah exhorted the people from me 
yesterday?" "No ; he told the congregation, how the 
grace of God was manifested to be sufficient to carry 
you through this illness ; but I do not know the exact 
words." " Then desire him to tell me what he said, and 
that I wish him to exhort them to live close to God." 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



433 



This morning my uncle, Mr. Isaac Pratt, went up to 
see my father ; who said a few words about his own 
state, and expressed his brotherly affection toward 
him and my aunt ; but he was in too exhausted a 
state to speak much. 

He had repeatedly asked after my own little children, 
of whom he had always taken much notice, from their 
living so near ; and this morning my dear wife, at his 
own request, brought them in to see him. He shook 
hands with them, and kissed them, and said, " Pray for 
me." " Yes," their mamma said, " they do pray for you." 
" Here I am," he continued, " lying here : I have lost 
the use of two of my limbs, but God has put it into 
the hearts of these kind friends round me to nurse 
me. Jesus Christ is my Saviour, and He is your 
Saviour. I have been in very great pain— almost in 
torture ; but God has held me up in these deep waters. 
I might have murmured and repined ; but God has 
not suffered me." After some pause he said, with em- 
phasis, " Jane and James, think of your prayers : don't 
let them be mere words, but let them come from the 
heart ; and pray for your dear little sister, that she 
may be a lover of Jesus Christ." 

Tuesday, Oct. 1 — One of my sisters was with him 
alone this morning, and he asked her to sing to him 
the Morning Hymn, which she did ; but he found him- 
self entirely unable to join, as he had done on two 
former occasions. He had even then sung more 
with the heart than with the voice, for they were 
but few and feeble sounds that he had been able to 
utter. 

v p 



434 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



Wednesday, Oct. 2 — My uncle, the Rev. Joseph Jowett, 
came to town yesterday, and had a short interview 
with my father this morning, in the course of which 
he told him that he was going to see Mr. Brandram. 
" Give my love to him," my father said, " and I hope his 
manly form will be preserved for many years." My uncle 
added, " He was very much interested, when I told him 
of your state : he seems to be anticipating evil days, 
which he says you will escape." Here my mother said, 
that my father had been talking of evil days since his 
illness ; and that the thoughts of them had troubled him 
very much. My father, however, did not carry this 
on, being in a very weak state. My uncle said, 66 1 
fear you cannot think much, can you?" "No," he 
replied. " But then you don't feel the want of thinking : 
you have an abiding sense that you are in better 
hands." His reply was very indistinct, but it ended 
w 7 ith, " If we lived more according to our obligations, 
we should be a better race of people." On taking 
leave, he held my uncle's hand firmly, and said 
earnestly, "Pray for me, that all my sins may be 
forgiven." "Yes; oh yes!" my uncle replied, "I 
doubt not that they are : they were all blotted out 
1800 years ago completely," alluding to the purchase 
of redemption having been then actually paid. 

Saturday, Oct 5 — Early this morning he sent for 
one of my sisters, who came after some unavoidable 
delay ; when he said to her, " Minutes are hours to 
me. I want spiritual food for my soul — refreshment 
for my soul." He then wished to hear some of the 
Hymns on Sickness, in his Collection of Private and 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



435 



Social Hymns, saying, "There is a long list of them." 
She read one on " Submission under Sickness/' " The 
cup of sorrow welcomed ;" beginning, " And shall 
I, Lord, the cup decline?" After hearing it, he 
said, " That implies an interest in Christ ; that is 
what I want." " Oh yes," she replied, " and that you 
have, we fully believe : you have cast yourself upon 
Christ." He then with earnestness lifted up his heart 
in these words, " Oh Lord ! my dear children tell 
me this ; oh whisper it to my ears by Thy Holy 
Spirit!" 

Later in the day, he desired my dear mother to 
read to him the last words of David. She began, 
u Although my house be not so with God :" he imme- 
diately burst into tears, and, when he could speak, 
with much emotion gave thanks to God that in this 
respect their case was far otherwise than David's ; and 
spoke of our family mercies with a lively sense of 
God's goodness to them. She continued the verse, 
and believes that he was enabled to stay and comfort 
himself in that everlasting covenant which was all 
David's salvation and all his desire. She asked him 
if the latter part of the verse, " Although he make it 
not to grow," did not refer to the ungodly state of 
David's family. He thought it rather referred to his 
low state of Christian feeling and experience, compared 
with what the blessings of the Covenant should have 
produced in him. "The grace of the Covenant he 
had received ; but it had not been made to increase 
and flourish in that measure that he had desired. 
Still the prevalence of sinful propensities, and the 

f f 2 



436 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



weakness of faith, hope, and love, were his burden." * 
This interpretation quite fell in with his own feelings. 

Soon after this he had a distressing shivering fit, 
brought on, it appeared, by exercising his mind 
beyond his enfeebled bodily powers ; for after dozing 
some time, he woke up and asked us to read to him 
St. Peter's Address on the Day of Pentecost ; to which 
he listened attentively, and remarked that " another 
such sermon never had been preached, and never 
would be again ;" with a few other observations. The 
exertion was too much for him, and we were alarmed 
by its effects. 

Sunday, Oct. 6 — At seven o'clock this morning 
one of my sisters sat down by his bedside, and said, 
" This is Sunday morning ; I will read you a short 
Psalm ;" and she began, " O God, Thou art my God, 
early will I seek Thee," and read through the first 
verse of the 63rd Psalm, when he said, " What Psalm 
is that?" She told him, and he said, " Begin it 
again ; that exactly expresses the state of my feelings :" 
and as she read them, he repeated every clause with 
the greatest earnestness, and then said, " Be sure you 
sing that Psalm at church to-day." And after a few 
more verses out of the 142nd and 143rd Psalms, he 
added again, "Just suited to my case — the very ex- 
pressions of my heart ! Sing them heartily to-day ;" 
raising his hand to give force to the expression of 
his feelings. 

In the course of the day my sister Eliza read to him 



* Scott. 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



437 



the 25th Psalm, being one which he had before felt to 
meet his case. The frequent "Amen," as it proceeded, 
shewed how much he entered into it ; and when it was 
finished, he said, " Read that Psalm to me frequently 
— it just describes my state — full of conscious guilt 
and infirmity — weak in faith — anxious to lay hold on 
Christ, but not able fully to say that He is mine : that 
is a high attainment, granted only to godly, faithful, 
devoted servants of Christ." 

Monday, Oct. 7 — My uncle, Joseph Jowett, preached 
twice at St. Stephen's yesterday, and on my going into 
the room this morning I told my father how kind my 
uncle had been. He cordially assented, and asked the 
texts. When I repeated the morning text, " Behold 
the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the 
world !" he said, " Who will have the comfort of that ? 
Those who walk closely with Christ. Be much in 
prayer and communion with God." 

His earnest and intense longings at this time, after 
the abiding witness of the Holy Spirit to his heart of 
his union with Christ, can only be compared with the 
experience of St. Paul, so forcibly expressed in Phil, 
iii. 7 — 14 : " What things were gain to me, those I 
counted loss for Christ : &c." Often would he exclaim, 
66 Oh to be able to say, I am Thine and Thou art mine /" 
— stretching forth his hand as he spoke, in the attitude 
of grasping. And again, in urging upon us the same 
object of attainment, he said about this time, " Never 
be satisfied with an outward profession of being His ; 
but go into your closets, and take hold of Christ, and 
then He will take hold of you." 



438 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



Tuesday Oct. 8 — The India Mail arrived to-day, 
sooner in the month than usual, and brought us letters 
both from the Bishop of Calcutta and my brother John ; 
but on account of my father's great weakness, and his 
being easily overset by excitement, we did not speak of 
them till the afternoon, when he introduced the subject 
himself, by asking if the Overland was yet come in. 
I gave him a brief outline of their proceedings, with 
which he was gratified ; but he was not equal to 
hearing the letters read. The opening and close of 
his Lordship's letter were so appropriate to Mr. Pratt's 
situation at that moment, that they will be read with 
interest :— 

" Simla, Aug. 8, 1844. 
" MY BELOVED AND HONOURED BROTHER IN CHRIST — 

" Your letter of March 29th reached me at Nundool May 24th, 
and I answer it now, lest when I am in the Plains time should 
fail me ; and indeed we are both now so near the Vale of 
J ordan, that no time is to be lost in any counsel we seek or 
business we do." * * * * 

The Letter closes thus :— 

" Farewell, my beloved friend : I remember April 1798 as if 
it were yesterday. Oh to ' end well ! ' — with increasing faith, 
love, wisdom, and zeal, as our natural strength is decreasing 
— which is one of the strongest proofs of Christian grace. My 
best love in Christ Jesus to Mrs. Pratt and all yours. 

" I am, begging your prayers, 

" Your affectionate 

" D. Calcutta." 

This afternoon he had another shivering fit similar 
to the former, the violence of which gradually sub- 
siding, he said calmly and earnestly, "He ever 



1844.] 



LAST ILLNESS. 



439 



liveth to make intercession for me !" On the follow- 
ing passages being then slowly repeated to him — " He 
will surely come, He will not tarry" — " Surely I come 
quickly, even so come, Lord Jesus!" — he added a 
fervent " Amen," and again sunk into sleep. 

Wednesday, Oct. 9 — He beckoned me close to him 
and said, " I am lying here, waiting for the mercy 
of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." To the 
texts — " Tarry thou the Lord's leisure : " " My times are 
in Thy hand" — he replied, " God give me patience to 
wait His time." I said, "He does give you great 
patience." Seeing him very low, I repeated several 
more texts — " Blessed are they that mourn, for they 
shall be comforted" — " Call upon me in the day of 
trouble ; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me " 
— "They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy : sorrow 
may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morn- 
ing." Later in the day, knowing how useful the 
Lord's Prayer had often been to the sick and dying, 
from its being familiar, short, 7 and comprehensive, I 
knelt down and repeated it slowly by his side. He 
had long been in the habit of repeating it over to 
himself slowly, on rising in the morning ; and on this 
occasion he joined in it with peculiar solemnity. 

We now approach the last solemn hour when " the 
earthly house of this tabernacle was to be dissolved," 
and the spirit of our beloved father translated to the 
" building of God, the house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens." We were only anticipating 
another restless night, of which he had had so many. 
The quickness and labour of breathing, and a pulse 



440 



LAST ILLNESS. 



[Chap. XX. 



at 96, induced Mr. Edenborough to assure me, after 
seeing him about nine o'clock in the evening, that a 
few days at the furthest must terminate the sufferings 
of his patient. It soon appeared, however, that he 
was much nearer the end than was apprehended. 
Early the very next morning, Thursday, Oct. 10th, 
the difficulty of breathing, attended with extreme 
heat, from which our dear father had suffered so 
much, appeared to increase. He remained perfectly 
conscious ; and although his speech was so inarticu- 
late, especially during the last day or two, that he 
could seldom be fully understood, he was now 
distinctly heard to be in fervent prayer, using these 
words, " Lord, have mercy upon me ! Christ, have 
mercy upon me ! Lord, have mercy upon me !" About 
half-past two o'clock the 25th Psalm was read to him, 
as it had been several times in his illness. He 
responded with a deep and fervent " Amen," through 
this and other portions which were read to him. At 
three, he asked what hour it was that struck. At 
half-past three the 17th Psalm, Watts's Version, was 
read to him. At the verse 

" O glorious hour ! O blest abode ! 
I shall be near, and like my God ; 
And flesh and sin no more control 
The sacred pleasures of my soul " — 

he raised his hand in a sort of exultation. After 
this, the well-known hymn — 

" Guide me, O thou great Jehovah !" 

was read to him. The second verse— 



1844.] LAST ILLNESS. 441 

" Open Thou the living fountain, 

Whence the healing waters flow ; 
Let the fiery cloudy pillar, 

Lead me all my journey through : 
Strong Deliverer — 
Be Thou still my strength and shield !" 

seemed to draw out the emotions of his soul : with 
this he was probably quite exhausted, for he expressed 
nothing particular at the last verse, which exactly 
described his situation : — 

" When I tread the verge of Jordan 

Bid my anxious fears subside : 
Bear me through th' o'erwhelming torrent, 

Land me safe on Canaan's side : 
Songs of praises— 

I will ever give to Thee." 

Soon after, his breathing gradually became more deli- 
berate, slow, and calm ; and in ten minutes more he 
departed, without a single struggle or indication of 
pain, to be for ever with the Lord. "Thanks be 
to God, who has given him the victory, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ ! " 

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, 
from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may 
rest from their labours ; and their works do follow 
them/' * 

* The family, on a review of the solemn and affecting scene which 
they had witnessed, fully acquiesce in the following remarks of their 
relative, the Rev. Joseph Jowett, in a letter addressed to my mother on 
his return to Silk Willoughby :— 

" * * * It was a most solemn occasion — the whole time of my visit to 
you. Yet the feeling of my mind throughout was less that of sorrow, 
than of calm thankfulness. Every turn in the progress of the event was 
indeed marked with mercy. Even the deep sense of unworthiness 
expressed by the sufferer, while it seemed to disappoint some, and was 

thought 



442 



DEATH. 



[Chap. XX. 



His mortal remains were committed to their earthly 
resting place, in the Vicar's Vault of St. Stephen's 
Church, on Thursday, October 17th, amid the most 
marked tokens of respect from his Parishioners, who 
universally closed at the time of the funeral. Mr. 
Sheriff Hunter, the Alderman, Mr. David Allan, the 
Deputy, and the other Common Councilmen of the 
Ward, followed in coaches ; and the courts and alleys 
poured forth their tenants, from the hoary-headed 
pilgrim down to the child in arms, to witness the 
mournful procession; which was preceded by the 
children of the Ward Schools, and a numerous body 
of clergy and friends of the deceased, including the 



thought likely to stumble others, appeared to me most natural and 
reasonable. Distrust of one's own self is not distrust of God — nor in this 
case did it lead to it. Even in the heavenly presence of Christ, Mr. 
Simeon anticipated for himself more of conscious abasement than of 
triumphant joy : and if such a view be correct, as I believe it is, the best 
preparation for heaven must be found in such self-abasement." 

In connection with the same subject, we cannot forbear here subjoin- 
ing a letter of consolation addressed to my mother by her relative, 
the Rev. Thomas Dikes of Hull, himself since gone to his rest : — 

" MY VERY DEAR MRS. PRATT — 

" I yesterday received a letter from your son, informing me of the 
melancholy news of the death of your beloved husband— melancholy, 
doubtless, as it respects yourself and family, but blessed as it respects the 
departed. Some persons suppose that the dying Christian should know 
no misgiving, no fear. A full assurance of faith, it is said, should over- 
come every doubt, and bring perfect peace to the soul. Perhaps thus it 
should be, and thus it often is ; but sometimes there is a peace arising 
from a superficial knowledge of religion. And from long experience I am 
persuaded, that God gives no account of His matters to us ; and very 
often it happens, that those persons who have looked very deeply into 
their own hearts, and have known the strictness and spirituality of the 
law of God, may be awed by the solemnities of death and the fears of 

approaching 



1844.] 



FUNERAL. 



443 



Committee and Officers of the Church Missionary So- 
ciety. The Funeral Service was read by the Rev. 
Andrew Brandram, Secretary of the British and 
Foreign Bible Society. Funeral Sermons were 
preached on the following Sunday at St. Stephen's, 
in the morning by the Rev. Edward Bickersteth, from 
Joshua i. 1, 2, and in the evening by the Rev. John 
Harding, from 2 Tim. i. 7 ; and at Islington Church, 
by the Rev. Henry Venn, Honorary Clerical Secretary 
of the Church Missionary Society, at the particular 
request of the Committee, from 1 Pet. iv. 10, 1 1. Various 
other clergymen made allusion to their deceased 
brother, and paid a tribute to his memory. 

approaching judgment. It is true that there is a fulness, a freeness in 
the salvation of Christ, which is calculated to overcome all our doubts 
and disperse all our fears : yet for a time, the views of God's eternal 
mercy in Christ Jesus may be obscured, and declining strength may give 
way to obtrusive fears, and the raging fever may prove too much for the 
powers of faith — ah ! and for the powers of reason too : and this is the 
cause why the death of Mr. Bible Scott seemed to be obscured by clouds 
and darkness. Those little fears which seemed sometimes to obscure 
the visions, which faith might otherwise have opened to the view of your 
dying husband, are now for ever dispersed, and the Sun of Righteousness 
has risen upon him never, never, to set in death or darkness. You, my 
dear Madam, and your family, have cause to weep, but not as those 
without hope. The knowledge that he whom you loved is for ever with 
the Lord, and that you shall soon meet him in the blessed kingdom of 
joy and love, if it should not dry up every tear, will soothe every sorrow, 
soften the bitterness of death, and be a constant motive to tread in his 
steps, that where he is there you may also be. 

******* 

" I am now nearly 83 years of age, and in good health, but death 
cannot be far off. 

" May God bless you, dear Mrs. Pratt. 

" From your affectionate friend and cousin, 

" Thomas Dikes." 



444 



MONUMENT. 



[Chap. XX. 



The Parishioners assembled in Vestry the day after 
the funeral, when 

" It was moved by Mr. David Allan and seconded by Mr. 
Joseph Perkins, and unanimously resolved, 

" That this Vestry deeply regret the decease of the Rev. 
Josiah Pratt, B.D., who held the important office of Vicar of 
this Parish for upwards of eighteen years ; and they desire to 
record their testimony to the faithful discharge of his ministerial 
duties, and the deep anxiety he always evinced to promote the 
best and highest interests of the Parishioners, and especially of 
the poor : and they tender their condolence and sympathy to 
his Widow and Family under the great loss which they have 
sustained through their afflictive bereavement ; and they trust 
that they will be consoled by those heaven-derived precepts 
to which he ever directed all to look in the hour of need, and 
that they will be cheered by the declaration of our Lord, 
i Where I am, there shall also my servant be.' " 

On the Friday following they gave a substantial proof 
of their regard for his memory, by the unanimous elec- 
tion of his son to succeed him in the Vicarage : and 
they subsequently erected a beautiful emblematical 
monument in the Church, designed and executed by 
Mr. Wyon ; in which the Angel of the Everlasting 
Gospel is represented as preaching the glad tidings 
— " Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt 
be saved " — to the Liberated African, the Hindoo, and 
the New Zealander; while some small figures of 
children are introduced below, in allusion to the 
Infant School which he founded in his parish. The 
following inscription, from the pen of the Rev. M. 
M. Preston, Vicar of Cheshunt, accompanies the 
design : — - 



1844.] 



MONUMENT. 



445 



TO THE REVERED MEMORY OF 

JOSIAH PRATT, B.D. 

vicar of st. Stephen's, coleman street ; 

who, while faithfully preaching the gospel in this city, 
largely contributed to its publication 

throughout the world ; 

by sharing in the counsels and labours 
of the british and foreign bible society, 

and of other kindred associations ; 

but chiefly as one of the founders, 
and for twenty-one years secretary, of the 
church missionary society for africa and the east ; 
to .whose objects he unsparingly devoted 
the best energies of his body and mind, 

AND THUS, THROUGH GOd's BLESSING, 
WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN GATHERING FROM AMONG THE HEATHEN 

AFRICANS, HINDOOS, NEW ZEALANDERS, 

" BOND AND FREE," INTO THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMED. 

CALLED IN MATURE AGE 
TO THE PASTORAL SUPERINTENDENCE OF THIS PARISH, 
HE DEVOTED TO THE FLOCK COMMITTED TO HIS CHARGE 
HIS RIPER KNOWLEDGE AND ENLARGED EXPERIENCE J 
MAINLY LABOURING TO KNOW MORE, AND TO TESTIFY MORE, 
OF "THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST." 

HIS ENTRANCE INTO THE PARISH 
WAS QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT 

OF VARIOUS PAROCHIAL INSTITUTIONS 
FOR THE RELIEF OF THE AFFLICTED AND DESTITUTE, 
AND FOR THE RELIGIOUS TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF CHILDREN I 
HIS SEDULOUS PROMOTION OF WHICH 
WILL CAUSE HIS MEMORY, — DEAR TO MANY IN DISTANT LANDS,— 
TO BE ESPECIALLY BLESSED AND HONOURED HERE. 

HE RESTED FROM HIS LABOURS, OCTOBER IOtH, 1844, 
IN THE 76TH YEAR OF HIS AGE. 

THIS RECORD OF AFFECTIONATE RESPECT WAS ERECTED BY THE 
PARISHIONERS AND OTHER FRIENDS, 

MDCCCXLVII. 



CONCLUDING CHAPTER. 



It is not unusual for Biographers to complete their task, 
with a general view of the more prominent points 
in the character of the individual whose life and 
actions they have been recording. In the present 
instance, the Editors have preferred embodying every 
thing which they might wish to say, in the " Memoir" 
itself : more especially, as they are able to bring 
forward some very interesting testimonies to the worth 
of the departed, from abler and more impartial pens 
than their own ; and with these they close their 
labours, humbly commending them to the heavenly 
benediction of the Great Head of the Church. 
The first of these testimonies shall be a 

Minute adopted by the Committee of the Church Missionary 

Society, 

" At the Meeting of the Committee on the 16th instant, the 
death of the Rev. Josiah Pratt was made known to them in 
a Letter from his son, stating that it had pleased God, early in 
the morning of the 10th of October, 'to release his dear and 
venerable father from his earthly labours and sufferings : ' 
adding, ' He has died profoundly humble in the view of himself 
and his past valuable life, yet strong in the faith of Christ 
crucified, and giving glory to God.' The views and feelings 
of the Committee, on the receipt of this intelligence, are 
embodied in the following Minute — 



1844.] 



MINUTE OF THE CHURCH MISS. SOCIETY. 



447 



" * It is with mingled feelings of sorrow and thankfulness 
that the Committee record the death of the Rev. J osiah Pratt, 
Secretary of this Society during twenty-one of its earliest 
years. While the Committee cannot but sorrow at the removal 
from the Church below of this eminent servant of Christ, and 
while they deeply sympathize with his afflicted family on their 
irreparable loss, they would with thankfulness give glory to 
God for the abundant grace vouchsafed to him, and for his 
consequent extensive usefulness in the great cause of Protestant 
Missions to the heathen. 

" ' Called, in the providence of God, to the Secretaryship of 
this Society at the close of the year 1802— the third year of its 
existence — and holding that office till the beginning of 1824, 
he devoted himself unsparingly, throughout this extended 
period, to the advancement of its interests and objects at home 
and abroad. It was especially through his instrumentality, 
under the Divine blessing, that the friends of evangelical truth, 
lay and clerical, were cordially and effectively combined in pro- 
moting the furtherance of the Gospel among the heathen, in 
accordance with the doctrines, constitution, and rites of the 
Church of which they were attached and zealous members. 

" c At the period at which this Institution was formed, so 
much had the obligation of every Christian Church to send 
the Gospel to the heathen been lost sight of, and such was the 
apathy and misapprehension which, in consequence, very gene- 
rally prevailed, that it demanded, in no small degree, the union 
of the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove 
to place the claims of the new Society on a proper footing, and 
to guide its early course aright. For this arduous duty the 
late Mr. Pratt was eminently qualified. He was endowed by 
nature with a comprehensive mind, solid judgment, and large- 
ness of heart. To these were added, through grace, clear and 
realizing views of the Gospel of Christ, as a dispensation of 
free grace and mercy to a world lying in wickedness, through 
the atonement and righteousness of God's dear Son, and a 



448 



MINUTE OF THE CHURCH MISS. SOCIETY. [Chap. XXI. 



powerful sense of the obligation to impart the blessing to those 
who were without Christ in the world. No less was Mr. Pratt 
distinguished by genuine catholicity of spirit, loving all that 
loved the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and by a warm love 
for souls, which rendered sacrifices and labour to bring them 
to Christ light and easy. He was also a man of humility and 
peace ; willing himself to be nothing that Christ might be 
exalted, and, for the very love of peace, following peace with 
all men. Yet was Mr. Pratt no temporizer, where he believed 
the truth of God to be at stake. His firmness and decision, 
where the interests of the Gospel of Christ and of the souls of 
men were concerned, were not less characteristic than his 
humility, candour, and charity, on all other occasions. To 
these qualifications were added habits of business peculiarly 
suited to his office ; and in labours he was abundant and inde- 
fatigable. He enjoyed, withal, a cheerfulness of mind and 
buoyancy of spirits, which, while they lightened his toils, 
rendered his intercourse peculiarly attractive and instructive to 
those with whom he was associated in labour. 

" ' To the Missionaries and Students of the Society he 
endeared himself by his wise counsels, his quickening exhor- 
tations, and his edifying discourse. 

" c His watchfulness of the movements of Divine Providence, 
and his faith in following them, were conspicuously displayed 
in his plans of Missionary operation ; while his largeness of 
view and soundness of judgment enabled him convincingly to 
develope them in the Committee, and to recommend their 
adoption with almost invariable success. 

" ' Under adverse occurrences, especially with regard to the 
death of Missionaries and partial failure of undertakings, 
though he felt deeply, the firmness of his faith and the strength 
of his natural character sustained him in the stedfast prosecu- 
tion of plans which had been carefully matured, and committed 
in humble prayer to the favour and blessing of the Great Head 
of the Church. 



1844.] 



PERMANENT MEMORIAL PROPOSED. 



449 



" ' Having thus honoured the Lord by his consistent walk 
and abundant labours, he was highly honoured of Him in 
being permitted to witness the Church Missionary Society, 
under his guidance, steadily advancing in friends, in pecuniary 
means, and in varied usefulness. When he entered upon the 
office of Secretary, no Missionary had been engaged, and no 
Mission had been commenced. When he retired from his 
official connection with the Society, its Missions had become 
widely spread over the Heathen World — its Teachers of all 
classes had exceeded four hundred — its Scholars had amounted 
to upward of 13,000 — and its income had reached nearly 
40,000/. So signally had it pleased God to bless the labours 
of His servant in surmounting the early difficulties of the 
Society — in conciliating or disarming those who viewed its 
formation with jealousy and mistrust — in exciting a Missionary 
spirit in our Church — and in drawing forth the means of diffus- 
ing the glorious Gospel of the blessed God throughout the 
world.' " 

The Committee, in the following March, issued an 

" Appeal to the Members of the Church Missionary Society 
for a Memorial of the late Rev. Josiah Pratt, B.D., late 
Secretary of the Society." 

This Appeal states that — 

" The long and intimate connection of the late Rev. Josiah 
Pratt with the Church Missionary Society, and the very impor- 
tant services which, through the Divine blessing, he was instru- 
mental in rendering to it, have excited in the minds of the 
Committee, and of the Members of the Society at large, a desire 
to express their thankfulness to God for His blessing upon 
the labours of His servant, and their own affectionate respect 
for his memory, by permanently connecting his name with some 
branch of the operations of the Society. After considering 
different methods of effecting the object, the Committee are of 

G G 



450 



MINUTE OF THE BKITISH 



[Chap. XXL 



opinion that it may be most advantageously done by providing 
means for educating the daughters of Missionaries in an Insti- 
tution to be designated ' The Pratt Church Missionary Female 
School.' " 

A large fund is of course necessary to carry out 
such a scheme, which it is intended to complete with 
some portion of the Jubilee Collection. 

The next testimony produced shall be a 

Minute adopted by the Committee of the British and Foreign 
Bible Society. 

" The devoted friends of the Bible Society have happily been 
so numerous as to render it impracticable for the Committee, 
however deeply sensible of their services, to offer a several tribute 
of affection to the memory of each, as each has passed away 
from the earthly scene of his labours. Yet they cannot receive 
intelligence of the death of the late Rev. Josiah Pratt, without 
making some record of the obligations under which the Society 
was laid by him, in the earlier stages of its existence, both in 
the way of active service and valuable counsel. Of the latter, 
the beneficial effects have been felt during a period of forty 
years ; and will continue to be felt, as long as the Society shall 
maintain its original constitution and principles. 

" For a few weeks after the formation of the Society Mr. 
Pratt held the office of Secretary, in conjunction with the late 
Rev. Joseph Hughes. This appointment was accepted by him 
principally on the suggestion of the late Rev. John Owen, who 
strongly advised that with Mr. Hughes a Clergyman of the 
Established Church should be associated, and the Society be 
thus made to bear a truly Catholic impress. From this office, 
finding it to be incompatible with his engagements as Secretary 
of the Church Missionary Society, he soon retired, when Mr. 



1844.] 



AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. 



451 



Owen himself was happily prevailed upon to become his 
successor. 

" To the judicious counsels of Mr. Pratt the Society owes 
the present Constitution of its Committee : a Constitution under 
which, while room is left for the admission of six Foreigners, 
of the remaining thirty Members fifteen are required to be 
Members of the Established Church, and fifteen Members of 
other Denominations of Christians. And the Committee think 
they may ask, when there has ever existed a more united or a 
more harmoniously-working Executive. It may be fearlessly 
said, that experience has proved the wisdom of the arrange- 
ment ; and of that arrangement the Committee would say, 
Esto perpetua ! 

" If, in later years, Mr. Pratt took a less active part in the 
Society's affairs, the Committee knew that it was not from the 
want of continued interest in them. Affection — and warm affec- 
tion too — was shewn to the Society, in the support and counte- 
nance which he afforded to it in various localities, and more 
particularly in connection with the City-of-London Auxiliary. 

" The Society is not a little indebted to Mr. Pratt for the 
prominent share which he always allotted to it in the pages of 
the 'Missionary Register,' — a valuable Monthly Periodical, 
originated, and (till of late) entirely conducted by himself. 
Intelligence of the Society's proceedings was thus widely, and 
at the same time gratuitously, circulated through the kingdom, 
and even beyond its limits ; while the selection of matter was 
judicious and happy. 

" The Committee desire to offer to his widow and family an 
expression of their sincerest sympathy under the loss that they 
have sustained : but they would mingle with their regrets a 
lively thankfulness to God, that their late friend was privileged 
for so long a period to adorn the doctrine of his God and 
Saviour, by the example of a holy and peaceful life, founded 
upon the principles of the Gospel ; and by his very eminent 
services to the cause of God, in his day and generation ; — that, 

gg2 



452 



MR. JOWETT'S SKETCH 



[Chap. XXI 



moreover, he has at length finished his course in peace, without 
protracted suffering, and ' come to his grave in a full age, like 
as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.' May his sorrowing 
friends — may the Committee — may the whole wide circle over 
which he exercised a salutary influence, ' follow him as he 
followed Christ !' Amen." 



The following is an able sketch of Mr. Pratt's cha- 
racter from the pen of his relative, the Rev. William 
Jowett. It is extracted from an Address which he 
delivered at the National School-room, Islington, on 
Tuesday, Oct. 31, 1848, when Instructions were given 
to several Missionaries departing to their Stations. 
After descriptive notices of three of the Founders of 
the Church Missionary Society, Mr. Jowett proceeded 
thus : — 

" Of the fourth-mentioned, the Rev. Josiah Pratt, it may 
perhaps be difficult for me, as a brother-in-law, not to speak 
with some degree of partiality. But as he has not long been 
removed from among us, there are many able to confirm or to 
correct my testimony. He was a man all energy — grave, firm, 
undaunted energy ; with a mind comprehensive, sagacious, 
sound, and practical ; a mind always busy, going forth in its 
excursions throughout the land, and through the compass of 
the whole earth, ever devising good : yet, with no turn for 
novelties. Of the many weeds that so often spring up in the 
religious world, none took root in him. There were no par- 
tialities, no bye-paths, no corners in his mind : all was plain, 
open, and direct; tending to usefulness on the large scale. 
With these original qualities of the understanding was com- 
bined a power of labour truly astonishing. Work was his 
element : there was no Vis inertice about him ; and his exer- 
tions were all so arranged in method, and pressed on with per- 



1848.] 



OF MR. PRATT'S CHARACTER. 



453 



severance, that it seemed natural for us to expect success in 
whatever he undertook. He knew well how to carry forward 
the theories of good and able men into practical results. 
Others might deliberate : he could deliberate and act too. The 
benefits which he conferred upon this Society, or rather, it 
should be said, through this Society upon the world at large, 
were immense. He was capable of moving or arresting the 
mind of large assemblies ; and in our Committee he was well 
qualified to sway his fellow-labourers, from combining a just 
confidence in his own judgment with such a genuine modesty, 
as led him to respect the opinions and even the prejudices of 
other minds. And this was the more remarkable, as he was 
by nature vehement ; but this temperament was softened down 
from his attaining, through grace, to an eminent degree of 
self-knowledge and self-command. When I entered on the 
office of Secretary, sixteen years ago, the only rule he gave me 
was, f Never shew temper :' counsel which was fetched, I doubt 
not, from the depths of his own experience. Then in the 
qualities of his heart he was truly large, fervent, and affectionate, 
as all his friends could testify. He had a remarkably keen 
discernment, almost instinctive, of the infirmities of human 
nature ; and a most tender compassion for its sinful weaknesses. 
' I never knew a man' (Bishop Gobat once said to me) 1 like 
him, able to ask of Missionary Candidates such plain questions 
without offending.' He was peculiarly reverential, and full of 
adoring thoughts toward his God ; which gave an impressive 
character to all his duties, and to all his intercourse with the 
public and with Missionaries. He was a faithful experimental 
preacher, rich in doctrine, and close in practical application ; 
eminently devout in prayer, both in the family and with his 
friends. Thus from his closet, his study, his pulpit, and the 
Committee-room, he helped with others to move the world : 
and, God prospering them, they did move it in good earnest. 
In his prayers he was ever wont to make mention of the three 
Persons of the blessed Trinity. He honoured the person and 



454 



CHARACTER OF MR. PRATT 



[Chap. XXI. 



work of the Holy Spirit ; and the Holy Spirit put honour upon 
him, by blessing his labours abundantly. Though not, like 
Mr. Venn, the prime mover in forming this Society, yet in 
rearing, advancing, and establishing it, he had the chief hand. 
Moreover, being the youngest, he was spared longer than the 
other three to promote this blessed work. After the formation 
of the Society Mr. Scott lived twenty-two years, Mr. Simeon 
thirty-six, and Mr. Venn but fourteen, while Mr. Pratt survived 
forty-five ; — very near seven times seven years. It was he who 
laid down this fundamental principle for the Society — ' It must 
be kept in evangelical hands :' and in unison with this, he 
often, in his venerable age, expressed his alarm lest a new 
generation should attempt to build the Church with men 
devoid of spirituality."* 



We cannot do better than sum up the whole with 
the following extract from the Bishop of Calcutta's 
Fourth or Farewell Charge to his Clergy, delivered 
at Calcutta, May 2, 1845, the day before his Lordship 
embarked for England : — 

" You will not wonder that I could not receive, without deep 
emotion, the tidings of the decease of the Rev. J osiah Pratt, 
though at the mature age of seventy-six, and without great 
bodily suffering, when I inform you that he was the affec- 
tionate tutor who guided my youth, and prepared me for the 
University in 1798, and had continued my bosom friend from 
that time to the moment of his death.f 



* An enlarged view of Mr. Pratt's character as a Preacher of the Word, 
will be found in the Appendix No. V., reprinted from the " Christian 
Observer " for August 1847- 

t 1 owe indeed, under God, to him and two or three other eminent 
men, the entire guidance of my mind when I first entered seriously on 

the 



1845.] 



BY THE BISHOP OF CALCUTTA. 



455 



" He was a man indeed. Few ever equalled him, as I think, 
in two respects ; first, in exactly knowing his particular line of 
talents, and next, in employing those talents for the most 
important purpose, the marshalling the Mission array of our 
Church at a most critical moment — two of the very highest 
points of commendation that can be bestowed on a servant of 
Christ. 

" He had all the general preparation most necessary for the 
work to which he was ultimately called, excellent abilities, 
good learning, deeply-seated piety, a sound judgment, exten- 
sive knowledge of history civil and ecclesiastical, and wise, 
and therefore very moderate views on the inscrutable sub- 
jects of the Divine purposes and the questions allied with 
them. 

" Besides this general fitness, he possessed, also, many 
special qualifications for the position God designed him to fill. 
He had an enterprising mind, a fondness for planning schemes 
of usefulness, and great tact in framing designations and rules 
for Societies on sudden emergencies. 

" Then his business-like habits, acquired in early life under 
his pious father, a merchant at Birmingham, and his incredible 
powers of application, gave him the most abundant use of all 
his abilities; sustained, as they were, with an Herculean 



the care of my salvation and the earnest stud} 7 of theology. The Rev. 
Thomas Scott, the Commentator, from 1796 to 1798— then in 1798 the 
Rev. Josiah Pratt — next, at St. Edmund's Hall, Oxford, the Rev. Isaac 
Crouch — and lastly, in my first curacy, from 1801 to 1803, the Rev. 
Richard Cecil. These- continued uninterruptedly my most intimate 
friends till their several deaths. But to no one was I more attached than 
to him, who was spared to me and to the Church the longest, my 
honoured brother whom we have just lost. I mention their names, 
though at the expense of apparent egotism, or "foolishness," as the 
apostle would call it, as my last solemn act of gratitude to God, and as a 
testimony of love to their families and descendants. 



456 



CHARACTER OF MR. PRATT 



[Chap. XXI. 



strength of constitution during the greater portion of a long 
life,* 

" Further than this, his enlightened and most decided attach- 
ment to the United Church of England and Ireland, in all its 
doctrines and polity, was commingled with such a sound judg- 
ment, and such a freedom from party spirit, that he was espe- 
cially suited to the post he had to fulfil ; for which, indeed, the 
want of these particular qualities would have unfitted him. 

" Then, his very place of residence and his literary taste, 
connecting him with the public press in London, enabled him 
to prepare designs for the public eye, and superintend their 
progress with a promptitude and skill which contributed essen- 
tially to their success, and in which no one else could have 
stood in his place. 

" Add to these qualifications, a singular union of meekness 
with firmness of purpose in his character. There was no man 
like him that I was ever acquainted with, for an unbending 
mind, a fixed conscientious determination, which nothing 
could turn aside — and which sometimes verged, no doubt, 
towards excess — and yet for meekness, so that I verily believe 
he never had an enemy. 

" He had not a particle of what we understand by assumption 
and forwardness. He was willing to work under-ground, and 
let others stand prominently forth, when he thought the end in 
view would be better attained. He understood when to retire 
from particular offices and stations as life advanced. The 
exact propriety of his character in this way was conspicuous. 
All was in keeping ; he did every thing that was fit and be- 
coming for him to perform, and nothing more.f 



* And yet he had only one useful eye during life, and that one often 
affected by sympathy : nineteen weeks of pain, and seclusion in a dark 
room, occurred at one time some years since, perhaps ten or twelve : the 
pressure of acute suffering was extreme. 

t In this he resembled his friend, the amiable and holy Bishop Corrie. 

" I 



1815.] 



BY THE BISHOP OF CALCUTTA. 



457 



" Consistency in the various parts of the Christian character 
was the result of all this. This was a peculiar ornament of his 
whole long and valuable course. His friends have nothing to 
conceal or excuse in his history : he was a wise and downright 
Christian in all the branches of that high character. He was 
the excellent pastor of a flock and the laborious parish priest, 
at the same time that he was the devout and dignified head 
of a well-regulated family, ' having his children in subjection 
with all gravity.' He was the affectionate husband and the 
faithful tender-hearted friend, as well as the indefatigable coun- 
sellor and wise leader in every good public undertaking.* 

" But it was as Founder, and Secretary for twenty-one 
years, of the Church Missionary Society, that my friend was 
best known. Here he found employment for all his particular 
talents, and spent his best years. How he discharged this 
arduous office, and worked up the Society to the state of 



" I know my defects, my dear Brethren," the Bishop used to say to 
those around him ; " I cannot undertake such and such things ; you can." 

* No wonder, then, that in early life he was chosen as Treasurer and 
Secretary of a Clerical Society, the Eclectic, at St. John's Vestry ; that he 
collected, for the first time, and published the valuable works of Bishop 
Hall and Bishop Hopkins, both of sterling merit, and Bishop Hall, 
inferior to none of our greatest English Divines, whether as a spiritual 
and practical writer, or as a theologian and controversialist ; that he 
had prepared the way for the publication of the Polyglott Bible, and 
other works of that class, by Mr. Bagster and Dr. Adam Clarke ; that, 
later in life, he found time, by incredible diligence, to publish the works 
of the Rev. Richard Cecil, containing those incomparable " Remains," 
which are only second to the works of Pascal, Lord Bacon, and Bishop 
Butler on like subjects ; that he was the author and editor, till nearly the 
close of life, of the well-known and most excellent " Missionary Register ;" 
and was also editor for a time of the admirable " Christian Observer," 
still maintaining its high reputation. I may add, that I esteem the 
forty-four volumes of this work as not the least valuable amongst my 
rather large collection. It has been a bulwark of our Church for nearly 
half a century, and especially, of late, against the Tractarians. 



458 



CHARACTER OF MR. PRATT 



[Chap. XXI. 



prosperity in which he resigned the labours of it to younger 
men, without resigning the care and anxiety and counsel which 
he could not, and did not, cast off till the hour of his death, I 
need not say. 

" I will mention only one or two circumstances which mark 
his fine spirit. In the year 1819, when a Royal Letter was 
issued on behalf of the Venerable Propagation Society, he drew 
up and published an able Abstract of the Sermons delivered, 
during more than a hundred years, by the annual preachers, 
and of the chief proceedings of that great Institution. This 
he published in a volume entitled ' Propaganda.' It instantly 
became a Manual, and contributed not a little to the immense 
extension of that, and of the Church Missionary Society. The 
whole Church welcomed the gift with applause. 

" Again, in 1820 and 1821, when Bishop Middleton's letter 
on the subject of Bishop's College, Calcutta, filled all England 
with joy, he was the principal supporter of the noble grant of 
5000/., and of three annual grants of 1000/. each, by the Church 
Missionary Society, to that fine Missionary Foundation. 

" Never shall I forget with what earnestness and warmth of 
heart he exhorted me, when I was first coming out to India in 
June, 1832, to follow in the steps of my great predecessors, 
Bishops Middleton, Heber, James, and Turner (each of whom 
he considered as peculiarly qualified, in his time and order, for 
the circumstances of the Diocese), and to bend all my strength 
to support and invigorate the Propagation and Christian- 
Knowledge Institutions, together with those, which he knew I 
should continue especially to love, the Church Missionary and 
British and Foreign Bible Societies. This I have uniformly 
aimed at doing, however feebly. 

" Such was the man in life ; and, in the approach of death, 
his principles shone forth mildly and meekly, in all that peni- 
tence and humiliation for sin, all that meek and firm faith in 
the Great Redeemer's merits ; and when descending into ' the 
valley of the shadow of death,' all that holy repose, without 



1845.] 



BY THE BISHOP OF CALCUTTA. 



459 



particular joy or triumph, on his omnipotent and gracious 
Saviour and Intercessor, which were in exact harmony with 
the whole fifty years of his previous course. 

" Nor do I doubt that when future generations, in India and 
other parts of our Missions, shall inquire, as they will, who 
were amongst the first Founders and Helpers in those great 
Institutions which planted the Gospel amongst them, the very 
youngest native children in the Mission Schools will lisp out 
the beloved name of J osiah Pratt." 



APPENDIX No. I. 



ORIGINATION OF THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 

(reprinted from rev. h. Venn's appendix to his funeral sermon on 
mr. pratt's death.) 

(See p. 13.) 

The Church Missionary Society having now become, in re- 
spect of pecuniary resources and the extent of its operations, 
one of the most important Institutions connected with the 
Established Church, and having been eminently blessed of 
God throughout its whole course, the inquiry, What were the 
first steps toward the formation of the Society — who were the 
chief promoters of the design — and what was the character 
of its earliest proceedings — will be one of deep interest, and 
may afford much instruction. 

Scarcely one now remains who is able to speak, from per- 
sonal knowledge, upon these points ; and time will soon obli- 
terate all the fugitive records of the facts, and will weaken our 
recollections of what our fathers have told us. 

The removal of one, who was most intimately connected 
with the Society from its first institution, prompts us to delay 
no longer putting into a more permanent form the information 
which is still accessible, in the hope that it may form the 
groundwork of a more complete history of the origin of the 
Society, and may elicit further information upon the subject: — 
any such information the Committee will be most thankful to 
receive. 

The Church of England has long borne witness to the im- 
portance of seeking, through Missionary labours, the conver- 



App. No. I.] ORIGINATION OF THE CHURCH MISS. SOCIETY. 461 



sion of the heathen ; — though in a way which, at the same 
time, hands down a reproachful record of the lukewarm- 
ness of her own sons. In 1701, the Society for the Propaga- 
tion of the Gospel in Foreign Parts was instituted by the 
Heads of the Church; which, though by its charter having 
respect, in the first instance, to our own Colonies, yet, by its 
title, by its public professions, and by the voice of its annual 
preachers, constantly pleaded, though alas ! almost in vain, for 
the extension of the Mission to the heathen world. 

In 1709, the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge began 
to assist the Danish Missions in Tranquebar ; and, in the year 
1728, undertook the sole patronage and support of a Mission 
to Madras. This Society was the honoured instrument of sup- 
porting and encouraging the labours of Schwartz and Gericke, 
and many other eminent Missionaries : but all were members 
of the Lutheran Church, and had received Holy Orders in 
that Church. 

The Church of the United Brethren began, about the year 
1733, to send out Missionaries to Greenland. In 1741, an As- 
sociation was established in London to assist the work, which 
was soon extended to other parts of the heathen world. 

But it was not till during the closing years of the last cen- 
tury, that any degree of zeal in the cause of Missions was appa- 
rent amongst the Christians generally of this country. At that 
period, however, many zealous men, both amongst the Clergy 
and the Dissenters, endeavoured to arouse their fellow Chris- 
tians to a sense of its importance, through the means of the press, 
the pulpit, and concert in prayer. 

In the year 1786, the Missionary work abroad was adopted 
by the Wesleyan Methodists as a branch of their operations, 
and Missionaries were sent to the West Indies. 

In 1792, the Baptists established a Missionary Society, to 
be conducted by the members of their communion. 

In 1793, the Bishop of London (Dr. Porteus) obtained, 
after a suit in Chancery, the management of funds left by the 



462 



ORIGINATION OF THE 



[App. No. I. 



celebrated Robert Boyle for the conversion of Negroes, and 
established a Society for that object. 

In 1795, some of the Clergy usually termed Evangelical 
united with Dissenters in establishing the London Missionary 
Society, upon the principle of an union of all Denominations 
of Orthodox Christians. The first Meeting for its establish- 
ment was held 21st Sept. 1795. But the great body of the 
Evangelical Clergy could not unite in this plan; for they 
had, from the first, maintained, that their Missionary operations 
ought to be carried on in direct connection with, and under the 
sanction of, the Church to which they belonged ; and they 
earnestly desired that the Clergy of that Church should be 
employed as Missionaries abroad. 

The immediate origination of the Church Missionary So- 
ciety is closely connected with the history of a Society, formed 
by a few of the London Clergy for religious intercourse and 
improvement, whose leading object was the investigation of re- 
ligious truth : in reference to which design they adopted the 
title of the " Eclectic Society." This Society held its first 
Meeting 16th January, 1783, at the Castle and Falcon, Alders- 
gate Street, and consisted of the Rev. John Newton, Rev. Henry 
Foster, Rev. Richard Cecil, and Eli Bates, Esq. It afterward con- 
sisted of about twelve or fourteen members resident in London, 
and as many country members or occasional visitors. Its Meet- 
ings were held once a fortnight, at the Vestry-room of St. John's 
Chapel, Bedford Row ; and it comprehended, according to its 
original design, two or three Laymen and Dissenting Ministers. 

It is remarkable, that the original Regulations, after 
making a strict Rule against the admission of visitors, unless 
ballotted for at a previous Meeting, add, as an exception — " In 
case of a Missionary, or some very extraordinary case, the 
Rule relative to the admission of strangers may be dispensed 
with, upon being proposed, seconded, and carried unanimously, 
the same evening;" — so early had the thoughts of these excel- 
lent men been turned toward Missionary work. Among the 



App. No. I.] 



CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 



463 



visitors in subsequent years, under the designation of " Missio- 
naries," occur the names of J ohnson, Marsden, Martyn, Corrie, 
and others. 

In this Society, the questions discussed were appointed at 
the previous Meeting. The question appointed 30th October, 
1786, is thus recorded : " What is the best method of planting 
and propagating the Gospel in Botany Bay ?" with a view to 
the Rev. R. J ohnson, whose company was desired for the next 
Meeting. The question was discussed 13th November, but Mr. 
Johnson was not present. 

This discussion will be regarded with additional interest, 
when it is stated, that it was through the means of the friends 
of evangelical religion at this time that a Chaplain was sent out 
to Botany Bay ; — first the Rev. R. Johnson, and afterward the 
Rev. Samuel Marsden, who was the father and zealous promoter 
of the New-Zealand Mission : and that this appointment of a 
Chaplain was, from the first, regarded in connection with the 
heathen. This will appear from the following extracts of a 
Letter of the late Rev. Henry Venn, 28th October, 1786:— 

" I have received a letter from dear Mr. Thornton (the late 
John Thornton, Esq.), saying that he, last Sunday, introduced 
Mr. Richard Johnson to 250 of his future congregation aboard 
the hulk at Woolwich. Through the influence of Mr. Wilber- 
force with Mr. Pitt, he is appointed Chaplain to Botany Bay. 
With what pleasure may we consider this plan of peopling that 
far-distant region, and other openings connected with the hea- 
then, as a foundation for the Gospel of our God and Saviour 
to be preached unto them — when a vast multitude, whom no 
man can number, shall call upon His name — when the wilder- 
ness shall become a fruitful field, and all the savageness of the 
heathen shall be put off, and all the graces of the Spirit shall 
be put on. Though neither I, nor you who are yet in youth 
(much less I who am stricken in years), shall be living on earth 
when this fact comes to pass, yet we shall be well informed of 
it above. All heaven will break forth in that song of praise, 



464 



ORIGINATION OF THE 



[App. No. I. 



' Allelujah ! for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth ' ! See 
what honour God putteth upon them that love Him in sincerity ! 
To be the means of sending the Gospel to the other side of the 
globe — what a favour ! Mr. Thornton says the Archbishop of 
Canterbury and Sir Charles Middleton seem much to approve of 
sending Mr. Johnson." (Venn's Life and Letters, p. 416, 12mo. 
edition.) 

In 1789, February 16th, the question discussed was, " What is 
the best method of propagating the Gospel in the East Indies ?" 

In 1791, October 24th, the Rev. Melville Home, Chaplain 
at Sierra Leone, was present as a visitor, and a question was 
fixed for the next meeting, 7th November — " What is the best 
method of propagating the Gospel in Africa ?" 

The next notice which has been discovered of any united 
counsel or effort on the part of the Evangelical Clergy in this 
cause is in connection with a Clerical Meeting held at Rauceby, 
in Lincolnshire, on the 6th and 7th May, 1795. The Rev. 
Mr. Pugh was Incumbent of Rauceby ; and the Clerical Meet- 
ing was attended by the Rev. Thomas Robinson (Leicester), 
Rev. S. Knight (Halifax), the Rev. Charles Simeon (Cambridge). 

At this Meeting Mr. Pugh stated, that the sum of 4000/. 
had been left by the Rev. — Jane (an intimate friend of the late 
Mr. Adam of Wintringham), to be laid out by Mr. Pugh to 
the best advantage to the interests of true religion ; and the 
opinion of the Meeting was asked, whether the money might 
be most advantageously given to any scheme already in progress, 
or to any new object at home or abroad ? — If to the last, " the 
thing desirable seems to be, to send out Missionaries." It was 
determined that the propriety and practicability of this sugges- 
tion should be discussed at the next Meeting. 

Copies of MS. notes of this adjourned discussion, taken by 
the Rev. S. Knight, have been kindly furnished by his son, the 
Rev. W. Knight ; and those taken by the Rev. C. Simeon, by 
the Rev. W. Carus. 

It appears from these Memoranda, that this adjourned 



Arp. No. I.] CHUECH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 465 



Meeting was held at Rauceby 30th September and 1st 
October, 1795. There were fourteen Clergymen present: 
but Mr. Robinson was not one of the number on this 
occasion. 

The discussion was begun upon this question : — "Is it prac- 
ticable to send out a Missionary ? and where ? And how can 
it be done to the greatest advantage ?" 

After some general discussion, in which reference was made 
to the exertions of the Moravians for the last sixty years, and 
to the success of the Elland Society in educating young men 
with a view to the Ministry at home, the question was narrowed 
to the following terms : — 

" Is it practicable or expedient to form an Institution for 
educating young men professedly with a view to their becoming 
Missionaries under the sanction of the Established Church ?" 

After some general conversation, the arguments which had 
been alleged on each side of the question were collected and 
formally stated by the Chairman of the Meeting, the Rev. S. 
Knight. 

The arguments in favour of such an Institution were 
grounded upon the duty of attempting something in so impor- 
tant a cause ; that persons educated expressly for Missionary 
work might be more serviceable, and have better access into 
the field of labour ; and, at any rate, that they might be pro- 
fitably employed at home, if they could not ultimately succeed 
abroad. 

As encouragements to the undertaking, it was stated that 
there was reason to hope that Government would be friendly ; 
that the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge would 
give assistance ; and that the Bishop of London, Dr. Porteus, 
had declared, in a Letter to Mr. Knight, his willingness to 
patronize and send out young men from the Elland Society as 
Missionaries to the West-Indian Islands. 

On the other side of the question was urged — the great 
difficulty of finding proper men — the danger of their losing 

H H 



466 



ORIGINATION OF THE 



[App. No. I. 



their Missionary zeal under scholastic training — the questionable 
advantage of such special training — and that greater good could 
be done with the same money at home. It was also doubted whe- 
ther a foreign Mission ought to be confined to the Established 
Church. 

The further consideration of the first question was post- 
poned to the next Meeting. It was agreed to solicit the El- 
land, Hotham, and Eclectic (London) Societies, to deliberate 
on this subject, and to communicate the result of their delibe- 
rations ; and it was recommended to the members to make the 
subject matter of prayer. 

On the 8th of Feb. 1796, the subject was again brought 
under the consideration of the Eclectic Society in London ; 
the question being proposed by Mr. Simeon in these 
terms : — " With what propriety, and in what mode, can a Mis- 
sion be attempted to the heathen from the Established Church ?" 

Mr. Simeon stated the circumstances connected with the 
legacy of 4000/., and the discussion at Rauceby. There were 
seventeen members present, and ten took part in the discussion. 
The majority were not prepared to recommend any immediate 
measures beyond the education of young men for this special 
purpose, either by the Elland or some other Society. The 
difficulty of procuring proper men — the uncertainty of ob- 
taining the sanction of the Heads of the Church — the fear of 
interfering with the Societies for Promoting Christian Know- 
ledge, and for the Propagation of the Gospel — the need of 
zealous Ministers at home — were severally insisted upon. By 
some it was proposed, that a Memorial on the subject should be 
presented to the Bishops, and to the Society for Promoting 
Christian Knowledge : not more than two or three of those 
present on this occasion seem to have thought, that something 
more might be attempted ; and that the sending of Missionaries 
abroad, instead of lessening the work at home, would (as the 
Rev. Thomas Scott expressed himself) " set things stirring — set 
up a spirit of prayer." 



App. No. I.] 



CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 



467 



In the Manuscript Notes of the Rev. Basil Woodd, one of 
the Members present, a remark has been added, in his own 
handwriting, but of a later date than the rest — 

" This conversation proved the foundation of the Church 
Missionary Society." 

As the designation " Church Missionary " was not adopted 
till the year 1812, this note must have been added subsequently 
to that period. 

Though the hopes of those who were most zealous in the 
cause could not but have been, in some degree, deferred by the 
result of this discussion, yet the subject was not dropped : it 
was made the matter of frequent discussion amongst the in- 
dividual Members, and of prayer ; and consultations were held 
with those who were likely to promote the scheme. Such a 
consultation is recorded in Mr. Wilberforce's Life, Vol. II. 
p. 251 : — " 1797, Nov. 9th. Dined and slept at Battersea Rise, 
for Missionary Meeting. Simeon, Charles Grant, Venn. 
Something, but not much, done. Simeon in earnest." 

On the 18th of Feb. 1799, the subject was once more brought 
before the Eclectic Society.* The evening was occupied with 



* The Society consisted at this 

t i Rev. John Newton. 
1 1 Rev. Henry Foster, 
t Rev. George Pattrick. 
t J Rev. Thomas Scott. 

Rev. Richard Cecil, 
t Rev. John Goode. 
t Rev. John Clayton. 

The Country Members were — 
Rev. James E. Gambier. 
Rev. Richard Lloyd, 
t Rev. Charles Simeon. 
Rev. Thomas Robinson. 
Rev. Nathaniel Gilbert. 
Rev. Robert Storry. 
Rev. John Simons. 
Rev. Isaac Crouch. 



time of the 

ttRev. W.J. Abdy. 
t+ Rev. John Venn, 
t Rev. Basil Woodd. 
1 1 Rev. William Goode. 

I + Rev John Davies. 
t J Rev. J osiah Pratt. 

I I John Racon, Esq. 

Rev. John Woodroffe. 
t Charles Grant, Esq. 
Rev. James Stillingfleet. 
Rev. Edward Burn. 
Rev. Henry Jowett. 
Rev. William Farish. 
Rev. John Pope. 
Rev. Earle Gilbee. 



t Present 18th of March at the Eclectic Meeting. 

t Present 12th of April at the formation of the Society. 

H H 2 



468 



ORIGINATION OF THE 



[App. No. I. 



"a general conversation on the subject of a Mission connected 
with the Evangelical part of the Church of England." 

On the 18th of March a question was formally proposed by 
the Rev. John Venn, in these terms : — " What methods can 
we use more effectually to promote the knowledge of the 
Gospel among the heathen?" Fourteen Members were 
present. Mr. Venn opened the discussion, by insisting upon 
the duty of doing something for the conversion of the heathen. 
He stated reasons which, in his judgment, prevented the Clergy 
from joining the (London) Missionary Society; and the 
necessity that those who associated themselves in this work 
should have such a community of sentiments, as to enable 
them heartily to work together. 

He laid down three chief principles which ought to be kept 
in view : — 

" 1. Whatever success is expected must be expected entirely 
through the influence of the Spirit of God. His agency must 
enlarge the hearts of Christians: His providential guidance must 
lead the way and open the door. God's providence must be 
followed, not anticipated. 

" 2. All success will depend upon the kind of men employed. 
They must be men of the Apostolic spirit, such as Brainerd — 
men not careful about the things of this world. 

" 3. It is far better to commence a Mission on a small scale, 
and let it grow according to circumstances, than to make great 
attempts at first." 

Upon these principles Mr. Venn " would not propose to 
raise funds in the first instance : this would be beginning at the 
wrong end. In order duly to acknowledge the hand of God in 
this work, let the following Resolutions be adopted by the 
Society — 

" M. That it shall be regarded as the duty of every Member 
of this Society, in his individual and social capacity, to ad- 
monish his people to promote the knowledge of the Gospel 
among the heathen. 

" ' 2. That it be a constant petition in the prayer used at this 



App. No. I.] 



CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 



469 



Meeting — and that it be recommended in our daily devotions 
— that God would implant in our minds a deep concern for the 
nations lying in heathen darkness, and make us instrumental in 
conveying the knowledge of the Gospel to some of them. 

" ( 3. That each Member do seriously direct his meditation, 
study, and inquiry, to the best method of beginning and 
carrying on a Mission — the discovery of a proper place in which 
to begin the Mission — the proper qualifications of the persons 
to become Agents of the Mission. 

" e 4. That each Member strive to influence others in this 
cause, by visiting or speaking to three at least of his Christian 
friends, endeavouring to excite the same spirit in them, directing 
their thoughts to the same object, and to look out for men 
endued with the true Missionary spirit. 

" f If it should please God, as we may well hope it will, to 
direct us to the proper sphere of labour, and to the selection of 
two or three persons of the true spirit, then, as a next step — 

" ' 5. That this Society should take into consideration, what 
are the proper methods to be pursued for employing those 
Missionaries among the heathen.' 

" One important point to be considered, respects the general 
character of the Mission. I think it ought to be founded upon 
the Church-principle, not the high-Church, principle. 

" Regarding the great difficulty of finding Ministers, I would 
rather send out Laymen, than none at all; and allow Laymen 
to perform many functions usually confined to Ministers at 
home. This practice is justified by the conduct of the Society 
for Promoting Christian Knowledge. If it be objected that this 
is contrary to strict rules of the Establishment, I reply, that I 
would do a great deal to keep up the Establishment, but not sacri- 
fice the good of souls. Laymen may go out as Catechists : not 
to administer the sacrament ; to baptize only in cases of necessity ; 
but to instruct the people and to gather a Church. Afterward 
we must find a Minister : if not, get the Catechist ordained." 

The foregoing account is taken from the short-hand notes of 



470 



ORIGINATION OF THE 



[Arp. No. I 



the Rev. W. Goode : Mr. Venn has not himself preserved any 
record of his own remarks on this occasion.* The notes of 
what was said by the other speakers are, comparatively speaking, 
very scanty. 

It will not be thought that too great prominence is given to 
Mr. Venn's sentiments, when it is stated that he appears to 
have had the chief share in maturing the incipient design ; and 
that, after the formation of the Society, he was requested to 
draw up an Account or Prospectus of the Society, which was 
the foundation of all its future proceedings, and which will be 
found, on comparison, to embody many of the principles which 
were, on this occasion, so fully developed. 



* The following are Mr. Pratt's notes of Mr. Venn's observations, being 
the only notes he made of that important Meeting : — 

Mr. Venn observed : — 

1. All success in Missionary undertakings must be expected from the 
Spirit of God. God is to be sought on all occasions. 

In proportion as the tbing is important, the foundation must be laid 
in prayer. 

God's providence must be followed, not anticipated. We must wait for 
His motion. If He diffuse a Missionary spirit on any to offer themselves 
for the work — this will be His leading. 

Let us imitate herein the primitive times. The nearer we approach to 
the principles and manners of the ancient Church the better. 

2. Success will depend under God on the persons sent on the Mission. 
He that goes forth should be taught of heaven : should have heaven in 

his heart : should tread the world under his foot. 

Can you make such men ? No ! God must have made them. 

3. It is better that a Mission should proceed from small beginnings ! 
and advance according to circumstances, rather than that we should enter 
upon a large scale at first. 

Nature follows this rule. Colonies creep from small beginnings. 
Christianity was thus first propagated. 

Every Mission must support itself. A large undertaking will be its 
own ruin — mole met sua. 

These three principles Mr. Venn illustrated in(l) the Primitive spread 
of the Gospel • and (2) by the Missions of the Moravians. 



App. No. I.] 



CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 



471 



Several of the subsequent speakers objected to the adoption 
of Resolutions by the Society, as not according with its character. 

Mr. Charles Grant urged the founding of a Missionary 
Seminary. 

The Rev. Josiah Pratt advocated the adoption of the Reso- 
lutions, as " breathing a quiet, humble, dependent spirit." 
" Let us regard ourselves as forming the Society. Let us con- 
sider to whom it would be desirable to communicate our plans. 
Let us not proceed to choose a Committee till we have a larger 
Meeting. Let some little Address be drawn up, stating our de- 
signs, and how we wish to act in following the leading of Provi- 
dence. It should be known that there is such a design. Fix upon 
persons to write to. Must be kept in evangelical hands." 

The Rev. Charles Simeon, with characteristic distinctness of 
purpose, and promptitude of zeal, proposed three questions — 

" What can we do ?— when shall we do it ? — How shall we 

do it ?" " What can we\lo ? We cannot join the (London) 

Missionary Society ; yet I bless God that they have stood forth. 
We must now stand forth. We require something more than 
Resolutions — something ostensible — something held up to the 
public. Many draw back because we do not stand forward. 

When shall we do it ? Directly : not a moment to be 

lost. We have been dreaming these four years, while all 

England, all Europe has been awake.- How shall we do it ? 

It is hopeless to wait for Missionaries. Send out Catechists. 
Plan two years ago. Mr. Wilberforce." 

The Rev. T. Scott stated the objections which he felt to the 
plan of the (London) Missionary Society, but hoped that good 
would be done. " We must not expect too perfect Missionaries." 

The Rev. W. Goode urged the duty of making the attempt ; 
the difficulties suggested only proved that there was not a Mis- 
sionary Spirit abroad ; " form a plan : publish it — send it to 
those friends who are likely to assist — and thus see what can 
be done." 



472 



ORIGINATION OF THE CHURCH MISS. SOC. [App. No. I. 



The result of this Meeting was a general consent that a 
Society should be forthwith formed, by inviting a few of those 
upon whose concurrence in their own views they could rely ; 
and that a Prospectus of their proceedings should be afterward 
prepared ; and that then their plans should be laid before the 
Heads of the Church. 

The next Meeting of the Eclectic, on the 1st of April, was 
devoted to the same subject, and the Rules of the proposed 
Society were considered and settled. 

On the 12th of April a Meeting was held at the Castle-and- 
Falcon Inn, Aldersgate Street, " For the purpose of Instituting 
a Society amongst the Members of the Established Church for 
sending Missionaries among the heathen." 

The Rev. John Venn was in the Chair, and detailed the object 
of the Meeting, Sixteen Clergymen (nine of them belonging 
to the Eclectic Society) and nine Laymen composed the Meeting, 

The subsequent events belong to the history of the Society. 
It has been the object of this statement only to put on record 
the preliminary steps connected with its " origination." 



APPENDIX No. II. 



MR. PRATT S DEDICATORY PRAYER AT LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE 
OF THE NEW BUILDINGS OF THE MISSIONARY INSTITUTION AT ISLINGTON. 

(See p. 149.) 

Almighty and Eternal God — Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — 
Thee we adore and praise as God over all, blessed for ever- 
more ! All things, O Lord, come of Thee ; and of Thine own 
we, Thy servants, render to Thee. We bless Thy Holy Name, 
that here, in this land, where our fathers bowed down to stocks 
and stones, the work of their hands, Thou hast caused the 
light of Thy Gospel to shine ; and that in these distant islands, 
which were once dark places of the earth, and full of the habi- 
tations of cruelty, Thou hast turned multitudes from the power 
of Satan unto God. Notwithstanding our sins, yet such 
is Thy mercy, that Thou continuest among us, even unto 
this- day, the Word of Thy Truth and the Ordinances of Thy 
Worship. 

We confess, O Lord, with shame and confusion of face, that 
we have not rendered unto Thee according to Thy goodness 
unto us. Endued with the singular blessings of Thy Gospel, 
Thou gavest us therewith the solemn charge, " Freely ye have 
received, freely give !" And Thou hast placed, in the workings 
of Thy providence, a large portion of mankind under the power 
or within the influence of this country. Pardon, Heavenly 
Father, for the sake of Thy beloved Son, our backwardness and 
sloth in making known Thy salvation among men. Lay not 
to our charge the souls which have perished in sin ; nor let the 
blood of our brother cry any more against us. 



474 



DEDICATORY PRAYER AT THE [App. No. II. 



We praise and magnify Thy name, that, in these our days, 
Thou hast graciously stirred up multitudes in our land to 
seek the salvation of the heathen and of the outcasts of Israel. 
We thank Thee, O Lord, that Thou hast put it into our 
hearts to help forward the knowledge of Thy Gospel in the 
world. 

We are met, in Thy name, to raise a habitation for Thee. 
Let that house, which Thy servants desire to build on the foun- 
dation now laid in Thy sight, become indeed Thy dwelling. 
On the seminaries and universities of our country pour the 
abundant grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that fit and able ministers 
of Thy Word may be greatly multiplied. On this and on all 
other places where Thy servants devote themselves to a prepa- 
ration for Thy work among the heathen, let Thy special blessing 
abide. Prepare, we beseech Thee, in Thy gracious providence, 
a due supply of men, separated in Thy wisdom from their early 
days, who may, from year to year, enter this abode with humble 
and devoted hearts ; and here, in diligence and watchfulness, 
by self-denial and by prayer, in faith and in charity, may be 
nurtured in sound and useful knowledge, heavenly wisdom, and 
holy zeal, for those labours to which it may please Thee to call 
them. Let all who shall enter here be such as are moved 
inwardly by the Holy Ghost, and truly called, according to the 
will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to take upon them the office of 
ministering Thy Word among the heathen. And grant to Thy 
servants whom Thou hast appointed over them, and to all who 
shall hereafter take upon themselves this solemn charge, the 
continual supply of Thy grace ; that they may wisely and 
patiently, with meekness, firmness, and love, train up the 
Ministers and Missionaries of Thy Holy Word. And let Thy 
presence, Almighty Saviour, be ever with Thy servants who 
shall, from year to year, go forth from this place to labour 
among the heathen. Replenish them so with the truth of Thy 
doctrine, and so adorn them with innocency of life, that, both 
by word and example, they may faithfully serve Thee in Thy 



App. No. II.] ISLINGTON MISSIONARY INSTITUTION. 



475 



Gospel, and preach among the Gentiles Thy unsearchable 
riches, to the glory of Thy name. Let them ever have in 
remembrance into how high a dignity and to how weighty an 
office and charge they are called. Send them forth as Thy 
messengers, watchmen, and stewards, to teach and to admonish, 
to feed and provide for Thy family, to seek for Thy sheep that 
are dispersed abroad, and for Thy children who are in the 
midst of this evil world, that they may be saved through Thee 
for ever, Incline them by Thy grace to give themselves wholly 
to their sacred calling ; so that, as much as lieth in them, they 
may apply themselves wholly to this one thing, and draw all 
their cares and studies this way. By continual prayer for the 
heavenly assistance of Thy Holy Spirit, and by daily reading 
and weighing of the Scriptures, grant that they may grow 
riper and stronger in their ministry and labours. Though 
earthen vessels, yet, by the excellency of Thy power, let them 
convey to the perishing heathen the rich treasure of Thy 
Gospel. Preserve them, by Thy grace, in purity and holiness, 
in meekness and humility, in zeal and love. Increase their 
faith. Let patience have in them its perfect work. And let 
Thy name be glorified by their labours in the everlasting 
salvation of many souls. 

Finally, O Lord, we humbly commend unto Thee the work 
of Thy servants, labouring for Thee throughout the whole 
world. It is not by might nor by power of man that we 
look to prevail, but by thy Spirit, O Lord our God. Guide 
all the counsels of Thy servants for the advancement of Thy 
kingdom. Prepare the world for Thy Gospel. O Lord of 
the harvest, sent forth labourers into Thy harvest. Give unto 
Thy servants their portion of Thy work. Let nothing be 
done through strife or vain glory ; but, in lowliness of mind, 
let each esteem other better than themselves. Be Thou ever, 
unto the end of the world, according to Thy promise, with 
all who go forth in Thy name ; and let it please Thee, of Thy 
gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish by the labours of 



476 



DEDICATORY PRAYER. 



[App. No. II. 



Thy servants the number of Thine elect, and to hasten Thy 
kingdom ; that we, with all those who are departed in the 
true faith of Thy holy name, may have our perfect con- 
summation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy eternal 
and everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



APPENDIX No. III. 



THE BISHOP OF MASSACHUSETTS TO REV. J. PRATT. 

(See p. 162.) 

" Bristol, State of Rhode Island, 
"July 15, 1816. 

" REV. AND DEAR SIR — 

" Your much esteemed favour of August last has long since 
been received, with the books explaining the objects and pro- 
ceedings of the Church Missionary Society, for which favour 
be pleased to accept, yourself and the Committee of the Society, 
my most cordial thanks. Any like benefit, in future, will be 
gratefully accepted ; and will no doubt contribute much to 
the promotion of zeal and godliness in this part of the Lord's 
vineyard. 

" It is with us a subject of great joy and thankfulness to the 
Father of Mercies, that the Church of England is rising in her 
strength, and putting on her beautiful garments ; that a spirit 
of zeal for the cause of truth and the extension of the 
Redeemer's kingdom is apparently increasing within the pale 
of the establishment ; and that your Zion is becoming the joy, 
as it long has been the admiration, of the ivliole earth. 

" I herewith send you an Address to the Churches and a 
Sermon preached before the Clergy of the Diocese, which is 
no otherwise worth your perusal, than as it may give you some 
information of the present state of religion in this country, 
especially as relating to the subject of your communication. 



478 



BISHOP GRISWOLD'S LETTER. 



[App. No. III. 



Most gladly would we unite with you in sending Missionaries 
to Africa and the East ; and hope that the time is not far 
distant, when some of our young men will be zealously disposed 
to engage in that charitable and interesting work. At present, 
however, we have not funds nor other means of doing much in 
any Missionary labours, not even of supplying the wants of our 
own country. It would scarce be credited on your side the 
water, what multitudes there are in these United States destitute 
of the Gospel ministrations : others there are, in still greater 
numbers, who, though not wholly destitute, are but occasionally 
and very imperfectly supplied by itinerant preachers, not duly 
qualified to teach. In any labours of this kind, and in every 
thing which will promote the cause of piety and godliness, we 
will most cordially co-operate with you, so far as our means 
and power will permit ; and a correspondence on this subject 
with the Committee of the Church Missionary Society will be 
highly pleasing to our Churches here. The Protestant Epi- 
scopal Church is, we have good reason to believe, rapidly 
increasing here, not only in number, but in that which is far 
more desirable, inward piety and zeal for God. Religious 
prejudices, which have heretofore operated very much to our 
disadvantage, are happily diminishing, and giving place to a 
more catholic and Christian spirit of charity and zeal. May 
this spirit increase till it fills the world, and all mankind shall 
see the salvation of our God and Saviour. 

" I have the honour to be, 

" With much respect and esteem, 

" Your sincere friend and brother in the Lord, 

" Alexander V. Griswold, 

" Bishop of Massachusetts, 'Rhode Island, 
New Hampshire, and Vermont." 



App. No. III.] 



479 



THE BISHOP OF PHILADELPHIA TO REV. J. PRATT. 

(See p. 162.) 

" Philadelphia, Dec. 10, 1816. 

" REV. SIR — 

" An apology is requisite for the length of time which has 
elapsed since the receipt of your letter of August 19, 1815, 
with the valuable communications accompanying it. I have 
not been without grateful sensibility for the favour done to me 
in this instance. But the delay has been principally owing to 
my wish to send to you, by a safe hand, for the information of 
your respectable Committee, some documents, which may shew 
the efforts made in the Diocese under my superintendence for 
the advancement of the kingdom of the Redeemer. They are 
feeble in comparison of those made in the mother country ; 
but we trust that the good work is on the increase. The popu- 
lation of the State of Pennsylvania is peculiarly unfavourable 
for the combination of the endeavours of Episcopalians in 
evangelical labours. All the large bodies of emigrants from 
Europe, at and ever since the first settlement of the province, 
were of denominations different from ours. So that although 
there are scattered members of our communion over the whole 
face of the State, it is in very few places that they are so con- 
centrated, as to be competent in each to the building of a 
church or the maintenance of a minister. This evil was im- 
mensely aggravated during the revolutionary war, by there not 
being left any clergymen within its limits, except three of us in 
this city. 

" The state of our Church, under the Divine blessing, has 
been gradually improving ever since the introduction of autho- 
rity to ordain.* With the hope of furthering the same object, 



* Bishop Seabury was the first Bishop in the United States. He was 
consecrated by three Scotch Bishops, at Aberdeen, Nov. 14, 1784, but he 
was the only one of the American Bishops who derived consecration from 
that source. The present Episcopal Church is a genuine daughter of the 
Church of England. The first Bishops, Dr. White and Dr. Provoost, 

were 



480 



BISHOP WHITE'S LETTER. 



[App. No. III. 



we instituted a few years ago a Society, whose Constitution and 
Reports I herewith send. We have also, within these few 
weeks, organized another Society, whose endeavours are to be 
extended to new States westward of Pennsylvania. I enclose 
their Constitution, and have the pleasure of mentioning that 
a Missionary is already on his tour. 

" It may help to give some idea of the state of this Diocese, 
to enclose two or three of the journals of our last annual 
conventions. This shall accordingly be done, and with them 
there will be the journal of the last triennial convention of 
our Church in the United States. 

" I was desirous of transmitting to you the series of the 
Reports of our Bible Society, instituted in this city at the close 
of the year 1809, which was the first in the United States. 
An enclosed list will shew how much they have been multiplied. 
It appears that our stock of early Reports is exhausted ; but 
I send the last three. 

" Our Female Bible Society has also had the satisfaction of 
seeing their example followed in various places. Perhaps its 
Constitution and Reports may be acceptable, and they are 
therefore sent. 

" I shall commit my package, with entire confidence of its 
safe delivery, to a very respectable gentleman of my acquaintance, 
John Sargeant, Esq., Representative in Congress of this City, 
who visits England on a public concern, highly important to 
the commercial interests of this country. 

" I desire to present to your worthy Committee my respectful 
acknowledgments of their attention, and 
" I am, Rev. Sir, 

" Your brother and very humble servant, 

" William White." 



were consecrated Feb. 4, 1787, and Dr. Madison in Sept. 1790, all three 
at Lambeth Palace; and from these all the subsequent Bishops have 
derived their consecration. 



APPENDIX No. IV. 



BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF MRS. CHARLOTTE PRATT, WHO DIED, NEAR 
BIRMINGHAM, OCT. 29, 1831, AGED 54 YEARS. 

(See p. 402.) 

We collect some Notices of a late exemplary Christian, with 
the special view of stirring up and directing others. These 
brief records will shew in how many ways opportunities are 
afforded, in the present day, for the exertions of such females 
as have time at their command and the love of Christ power- 
fully constraining them, in promoting the cause of truth and 
charity, among them who are far off as well as them who are 
near. These Notices are furnished by a near relative of the 
deceased. 

The prevailing character of our departed sister was retiring 
and humble ; united, however, with remarkable energy and 
perseverance in all that she thought to be her duty — and this 
often when her body demanded quiet and repose. She doubt- 
less hastened her own decay by over-exertion ; but she could 
never be persuaded to spare herself, if any thing would thereby 
be thrown on others which she thought would be injurious to 
them. 

When she entered the house of any of her relatives, for even 
but an hour or two, she always seemed to look round to disco- 
ver who was ill, or in trouble, or wanting help ; and there 
she was invariably found : and the more so, if there was any 
other society to be had which offered more attractions ; for 
then she would apply herself to nurse the sick or relieve the 
burdened, that, by taking the employment of others upon 

I I 



482 



BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF 



[App. No. IV. 



herself, she might set them at liberty for rest and enjoyment. 
She endeared herself, in this way, to all the young people of 
the family ; who, by first appreciating her kindness to them- 
selves, were led duly to estimate her character in other respects, 
and will long remember her example. She always used the 
influence thus acquired over them, in directing them to activity 
for the good of the ignorant and poor at home ; and in the 
special support of the Church Missionary Society for the 
benefit of the heathen : the interests of that Society had, from 
its very beginning, lain near her heart. 

She removed from Birmingham to Harborne (about three 
miles) for the last few years of her life. While in Birmingham, 
her time was chiefly occupied in assisting the charitable insti- 
tutions connected with St. Mary's Chapel : she exerted herself 
in rendering the Missionary Association of that Congregation 
steadily effective ; and, at the same time, set on foot and 
entirely conducted a similar Association at Harborne, which 
she maintained as long as she lived. In pursuit of these 
objects she would often walk miles on cold and wet winter 
days, and would labour hard to gain a few shillings from the 
neighbouring farmers ; going time after time, with unwearied 
patience, under circumstances which would have discouraged 
any other person. She contributed, herself, to the Society all 
that she could spare ; and kept up her interest in its proceed- 
ings by constantly studying its publications, so that she was 
a kind of living record of its proceedings. Her intervals of 
time, not needed for other work, were divided between knitting 
stockings for the poor and making small articles which she 
sold among her friends for the supply of a Missionary Box. 
She was never to be seen unemployed : if she stayed but a few 
minutes in a place, her work or her knitting was with her. 
She had interested several shopkeepers in Birmingham, who 
took those articles which she could not sell herself, and tried 
to dispose of them for her. The produce of these articles she 
would never put into the collection paid in under her own 



App. No. IV.] 



MRS. CHARLOTTE PRATT. 



483 



name, lest it should appear larger than those of other persons ; 
but she always put it without observation into the Missionary 
Box, and let it appear in her accounts as the produce of that 
box. 

She had been particularly interested last year [1881] in 
the Tinnevelly Mission ; and had begged of her friends, and 
contributed largely herself, so that she sent a considerable 
donation for that particular object. 

After she took up her residence at Harborne, she devoted 
herself, most regularly, to the Sunday and Adult Schools, and 
to visiting the poor to the utmost of her ability, and often even 
when ill health or bad weather would have rendered it prudent 
for her to desist : nothing but a strong sense of duty would 
have impelled her to these exertions, which, latterly in parti- 
cular, were often felt by her as a burdensome effort ; but she 
always resisted this feeling, and ascribed it to her own torpor 
and indolence. She kept up these efforts all through a great 
part of the winter of 1830, while her health was manifestly 
sinking. She left home in the spring of 1831 ; and when she 
returned, in August, was so reduced as to be almost incapable 
of occupying herself in any way : but her interest in the poor 
had not diminished. She was unable to talk much : but when 
she was drawn out, as she frequently was, in a Bath chair, she 
would carry little comforts to the sick ; nourishing things which 
were provided for herself, she would take them a part of; to 
some, she gave little books, which she had bought for them in 
London ; telling them to take care of them, for they were the 
last that she should ever give them. 

She was suffering much from extreme weakness and languor, 
but her patience and fear of giving trouble were remarkable ; 
and she expressed the greatest gratitude for even common 
attentions, appearing to have constantly on her mind a sense of 
the great goodness of God to her in every circumstance of her 
illness, and in every act of kindness done to her by her friends. 
She frequently regretted that the necessary care of her body 

ii 2 



484 



BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF 



[App. No. IV. 



took up so much of her thoughts ; and would say, " It had not 
used to be so." She seemed greatly impressed with the im- 
portance of preparing for death, before sickness and weakness 
rendered it impossible to think. Sickness, she said, was not 
the time for the great work : she could read and think but little 
now, and she felt her mind in a state of torpor and deadness. 
She wished that she loved her Saviour more. She had no 
hope but in Him ; and must come as a sinner to His Cross. 
When she was drawn out in her chair, she generally had with 
her Baxter's " Dying Thoughts," which was marked by her in 
many places, and was the only book that she read, except her 
Bible, in these her dying hours. 

She exerted herself greatly, even to the last day of her life, 
in giving a word of exhortation to those whom she saw. She 
sent for several poor women ; and gave to them the stockings 
which she had remaining of her own knitting, with advice 
suited to the case of each. When her danger became known, 
great anxiety was expressed by the poor to see her once more ; 
and, to the utmost of her power, she complied with their 
request. Several came from a considerable distance, in the 
hope of taking leave of her ; and many now bear the most 
affecting testimonies to her character in life, and the loss which 
they have sustained in her death. One poor woman observed 
— " She never came near us, without doing some good to our 
bodies and souls ; and I can never forget how she begged of 
me, the last time I saw her, to be sure to meet her in heaven :" 
another said — " She was so humble — we shall never see her 
like again :" a third, that she felt she had lost a mother in her : 
and these are but specimens of the uniform testimony of those 
among the poor who had known her best. Even the day 
before her death, she was interesting herself in the case of a 
poor woman dying in consumption. This woman's present and 
everlasting concerns had occupied much of her thoughts during 
the last few days. She begged sheets and clothing for her ; 
and sent a pious young woman in the parish to read and talk 



App. No. IV.] 



MRS. CHARLOTTE PRATT. 



485 



to her, and begged that she would receive all that this young 
woman should say as a message from herself. 

She had several times in the course of her illness inquired 
after a lady in Birmingham. On being told that she had done 
so, this lady observed — " I dare say she remembered seeing 
me not long ago under a heavy trial ; and when I said to her, 
' I know not whether to look backward or forward,' she an- 
swered, ' Look upward.' " 

Thither, indeed, her own eye was habitually directed. She 
steadily contemplated the public events of the day, as " signs 
of the times ;" but, latterly, wished to hear no details, and was 
solicitous only for the cause of God in the world, and com- 
mitted to Him the safety of those whom she was about to leave 
in this troubled scene. 

On Thursday and Friday (she died on Saturday) she begged 
a friend to finish up all the little articles which she had made 
for the Missionary Society, that she might dispose of them 
before she died : some she chose out, as presents to various 
members of her family, for which she paid the Missionary 
Box as though she had sold them ; and then sold the rest to 
her friends, and seemed to feel relief in thus adjusting these 
little concerns. On Saturday she delivered up her Missionary 
accounts to a friend, with remarkable clearness ; but this was 
an effort which exhausted her. Her venerable friend and 
pastor, the Rev. Edward Burn, had, soon after, a parting inter- 
view with her ; in which, after he had commended her to God 
in prayer, she took a marked and affecting leave of him, 
declaring her entire trust in the Saviour, and expressing a 
grateful sense of the benefits which she had for many years 
derived from the ministry of her friend. Mr. Burn left her 
about three o'clock. She soon after fell into a deep sleep, and 
it is not certain that she was ever afterward conscious. The 
power of speech, and even of motion, was gone for the last six 
hours, without any appearance of suffering. She drew her 
last breath a little before midnight, and passed into that world 



486 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF MRS. C. PRATT. [App. No. IV. 



of light and holiness and joy, for which the Holy Spirit had 
been graciously preparing her. By His Divine power she had 
been early brought to the knowledge of the Saviour; and had 
been enabled for many years to shew that the mind which was 
in Him was, in its measure, in her also. Tender and suscep- 
tible in her feelings, yet she always put the most charitable con- 
struction on the. conduct of others; and would often reprove 
such as indulged an uncharitable spirit, more effectually by her 
silence and gravity than she could have done in words. Faith- 
ful and judicious as an adviser, she was a friend to be trusted 
without a fear — disinterested in no common degree — a sister 
"born for adversity" — sympathizing and consoling — making 
your case her own — and thinking no sacrifice of personal com- 
fort too great for the relief of others. 



APPENDIX No. V. 



GRATEFUL RECOLLECTIONS OF A BELOVED PASTOR TAKEN TO HIS REST. 
BY A LAYMAN. 

(REPRINTED FROM THE " CHRISTIAN OBSERVER " FOR AUGUST 1847.) 

There exists a great proneness in the natural heart to idolize 
the creature, and to forget the Creator. There is, and there 
ever will be, much tendency to exalt the instrument and to 
forget the Hand that uses it. But this evil need not stop 
the exhibition of the real good. It may surely be affirmed, 
that a most endearing relationship does exist between a pastor 
and his flock, and between individual pastors and individual 
sheep. St. Paul says, ' Though ye have ten thousand instruc- 
tors in Christ, yet not many fathers : for in Christ Jesus I have 
begotten you through the Gospel.' And notwithstanding any 
occasional appearances to the contrary, the fact remains as a 
sweet solace, that the ministers of the Gospel are, by their true 
flock, esteemed very highly in love for their work's sake. 

Can the Christian minister be esteemed too highly, if he 
be regarded as the appointed servant of the Great Shepherd, 
and if he be faithful and loving in the discharge of that trust ? 
Is it wrong for a spiritually-minded Christian to rejoice that 
he finds the regular ministrations of his pastor to keep pace 
with his own need ; and that, in proportion as he himself grows 
in experience of the corruption of his own nature — of the grace 
and sufficiency of the Lord Jesus — of the glory and beauty of 
that adorable Redeemer — of the necessity for larger, stronger 
efforts to perfect holiness in the fear of God, — he also perceives, 
by sweet communication of public instruction, apart from the 
least private or personal communion, that his minister also 



488 



RECOLLECTIONS OF 



[App. No. V. 



speaks in fuller, warmer, intenser terms, of the same truths ? 
Can there fail to be found between such spirits a chain of 
union, the links of which and the strength of which will 
perhaps never be recognised, till in heaven, or in future blessed- 
ness, it is made manifest, without disguise, and with perfect 
ability to call it the 'work of God?' The stated and perio- 
dical review of his own character and progress which a 
Christian takes, cannot fail to bear testimony to the effect of 
such a ministry. Their sentiments harmonize — the doctrines 
deepen in importance to their mutual appreciation — they grow 
up together into ' the Head." 1 O blessed day ! when the 
glorious result is made manifest — when the reality of all this 
influence shines forth, and each can trace the Hand that has 
led both by a way that landed them where He himself shall 
feed them, who is the Lamb that sitteth in the midst of the 
throne ; who will also lead them to fountains of living waters ; 
and being God, shall wipe all tears from their eyes. 

Such a connection did once exist between a very humble 
individual and a pastor of well-known worth. In vain has the 
affectionate heart looked out for a suitable or an adequate 
testimony to that excellence : other points in that character 
may have been more fully appreciated, this could only receive 
its testimony from experience. The few words that follow are 
intended as an expression of the deepest gratitude to God as 
the giver of this good, and as a memorial of grateful love 
towards a departed pastor. The little quotations from sermons, 
used as illustrations, are taken from memoranda made from 
memory as they were delivered, and therefore must be liable to 
deficiency ; but still, it is hoped, they will serve the purpose. 

In recalling the worth of the pastor's ministrations enjoyed 
for nearly twenty years, these prominent features present them- 
selves for notice : — 

I. The constant, copious, unvarying, enlarged statement 
of the fulness of Christ — * His unsearchable riches.' It was 
reckoned ( a grace given ' to declare these. The theme was 



App. No. V.] 



MR. PRATT'S MINISTRY. 



489 



felt to be, and made to be felt to be, ' inexhaustible.' The 
glorious truth of the divinity of our Lord often called forth 
deep, pious, instructive discourses : witness a course of these 
on Col. i. ii. in the year 1825, at St. Mary Woolnoth's. 

' Hold the divinity of your Lord as you hold your life/ was 
the deep-toned exhortation, after statements calculated to 
make it take effect. 

i Take it as the result of experience, that we are only happy 
in proportion as we believe Christ, and live upon Him.' 

' The Christian is the only free man. The blood of Christ 
cleanses away his guilt ; the grace of Christ fortifies his 
soul ; the power of Christ calms his soul.' 

' If I am conformed to Christ, I must hold all created good 
subservient to Him and to His service. I must receive 
with patience all He sees fit to lay upon me. I must 
bear with meekness all I receive at the hand of man. I 
must hold myself a sacrifice to Him of body, soul, and 
spirit.' 

* Consider Christ as the procurer, giver, and sustainer of 

spiritual life. * * * He sustains, by visitations of the 
Spirit, constant communications by the means of grace. 
The Christian should never be content without the presence 
of Christ in ordinances.' 
' When you come to die, the more habitual your experience 
has been of Christ, as the giver and sustainer of your 
spiritual life, the more naturally (as a Christian) will you 
be able to say, I know in whom I have believed, &c. ; 
and then as a matter of fact, and not of boasting, to say 
with St. Paul, I have fought a good fight, I have kept 
the faith.'' 

1 Expect the decay of nature. Look for it. Rom. viii. 17.' 
' He that liveth and believeth. No faith in another world. 
There all is sight, all feeling/ 

* Let us not follow Christ afar off, lest like Peter we deny 

Him/ 

' Endeavour to grow in adoring love to our Saviour. It is 



490 



RECOLLECTIONS OF 



[App. No. V. 



this which makes life pleasant, duty easy, affliction light. 
John xxi. 20.' 

'Are we ignorant — and we are — Jesus is the Wonderful 
Counsellor. Are we weak — and we are — He is the 
Mighty God. Are we afraid of death, He is the ever- 
lasting Father. Are we in trouble, He is the Prince of 
Peace.' 

' The Christian submits his understanding, will, and affec- 
tions to the authority of Christ as Lord; gratefully 
accepts the salvation of Jesus; with exulting joy and 
confident affiance in Christ Jesus, sees the condemnation 
of sin removed — the dominion of sin broken — the defile- 
ment of sin cleansed.' 

4 The consideration of Christ leads to unbounded, grateful, 
immoveable confidence in Him.' 

' A view of Christ in His offices of Prophet, Priest, and 
King, conveyed to the soul by the Holy Spirit : this is 
the true consolation of the soul.' 

i There is no real want of the Christian but it is anticipated 
in the promises of God in Christ.' 

i Hear Him in His instructions ; No man ever spake like 
this man. — In His invitations ; Come unto me } all ye that 
labour, and I will give you rest : rest from guilt, in my 
sacrifice; from temptation, in my power; from defile- 
ment, in my grace. Hear Him in His commands, His 
threatenings, His promises.' 

II. The glory and work of the Spirit was also another topic 
of frequent, full discourse. 

' O honour the Holy Spirit, was oft his injunction.' 

' We look for the Spirit to give us all grace necessary for 

salvation ; for all grace to exercise for the glory of God ; 

for His presence in the exercise of that grace.' . 
' The Holy Spirit gives efficacy to those discoveries which 

He makes of the Saviour to the soul ; where they are 

genuine, they are always practical. 
i All His dealings tend to the restoration of the Divine 



Apr. No. V.] 



MR. PRATT'S MINISTRY. 



491 



Image on the soul. His sacred monitions are mild and 

gentle ; they are the still small voice.' 
( The Spirit clears the mind of error, discovers the fulness 

of Christ, and moulds the will and affections.' 
i The comforts of God never come to an unholy bosom.' 

III. There was an apparent deference to the minds of the 
hearers, as persons able to receive and judge of the doctrine 
set forth. It was more like communication than dictation — in 
the manner of St. Paul making his address to Christians ; and 
to them not as ignorant and indifferent listeners. This secured 
attention and affection. 

IV. The discourses were indeed full of truth, and always 
contained some weighty, succinct statements which could be 
well remembered, and became as marks where the rest of the 
seed was sown. The following may illustrate this feature. 

' When temporal blessings come right, they come added.' 
' The rest of the covenant.' Ps. cxvi. 7 ; Heb. viii. 

i Rest for the understanding. All shall know me.' 

' Rest for the conscience. Your sins and iniquities will 
I remember no more.' 

1 Rest for the will. I will 'put my laws in their mind.' 

' Rest for the heart. I will be to them a God, and they 
shall be to me a people.' 
' Sin disquiets the conscience. Discontent disturbs the will. 

Doubts perplex the understanding. Distrust troubles 

the heart.' 

' Bring every imagination, every thought, every feeling, 
every word which falls below the high standard of 
Christian charity, to the mercy of God for pardon, and 
to the grace of God for renewal.' 

i Look for grace to keep the heart open ; for though opened 
once by the power of Divine grace, its natural tendency 
is to close.' 

i We do not come to the knowledge of our duty by chance ; 

we must study what it is.' 
' We want power in addition to motive. Faith is power ; 



492 



RECOLLECTIONS OF 



[App. No. V. 



for faith leads to prayer. A man of faith will be a man 

of prayer ; and a man of prayer will be a man of faith.' 
' The Christian in the warmest exercise of his affections has 

his judgment in full sway.' 
' The perfection of our being on earth is to do the will of 

God, as the angels in Heaven ; and to bear the will of 

God, as the angels would bear it if they were upon earth/ 
' Patience is to stay as long as God says stay ; to bear as 

long as God says bear ; to come when God says come.' 
' The Christian's day is too short, his night too long. The 

Christian has no allowed season of listlessness and torpor.' 
i Be ye stedfast, in principles, as opposed to error ; in pro- 
fession, as opposed to wavering ; in piety, as opposed to 

worldliness. 9 

, ' The Christian's most holy times are his most painful times. 

He is at his best when he has most conflict.' 
' Be more in earnest about the object of faith than faith 
itself.' 

* The awakened heart lies open to Divine visitation, and 

beats in unison with the Divine will.' 
' Holy acts become holy habits.' 

' No strength of nature can sustain us in spiritual conflicts, 
nor any weakness of nature prevent our victory. The 
holiest souls feel the conflict most.' 

V. A constant injunction and reference to closet duties. 

' Be in the habitual practice of retirement.' 

' It should be your daily habit ; and resorted to under 
special difficulty. There in your closet study the Word 
of God 5 and by meditation endeavour to see the majesty 
and mercy of God. By prayer call down the grace of 
the Holy Spirit, that you may have fellowship with the 
Father and His Son. Having boldness to enter, and 
having an high priest over the house of God, draw near ; 
and with a heart sprinkled from an evil conscience, seek 
inward holiness, and obtain grace for grace. Thus will 
filial fear and holy love fill your hearts. The Divine 



App. No. V.] 



MR. PRATT'S MINISTRY. 



493 



Majesty will inspire the one — the Divine Mercy will 

cherish the other.' 
' This is the happy life of a Christian.' 
'What are your wants, hindrances, difficulties, sorrows, 

cares ? Who are your enemies ? What are your desires, 

plans, purposes ? Bring all in believing prayer to a God 

in covenant, faithful to His promises. 1 Thess. iii. 11, 12.' 
' Value the Holy Scriptures more highly, study them more 

diligently, follow them more closely, diffuse them more 

zealously.' 

' Keep on your way intelligently, willingly, thankfully.' 
' Pantings after holiness, and watchings after conformity to 

Christ, are the surest indexes of real communion with 

Christ.' 

' Here is the perfection of prayer — importunity with sub- 
mission.' 

' We receive the Scriptures in their fulness, for there is no 
more to be added. We receive them in their simplicity, 
for we take no comment as authoritative. James i. 21.' 

4 The sincere Christian's inquiry is, How shall I read the 
Word of God with the most profit ? How shall I be 
delivered from that self-seeking which perverts my judg- 
ment?' 

' Let nothing come between you and your closet.' 

f In the closet, faith gives the brightest evidence of things 

not seen, the liveliest subsistence to things hoped for.' 
' We retire to have communion with our Father.' 
' We retire that our souls may be opened to the gracious 

influences of the Holy Spirit.' 
' The feelings of the Christian are wrought in his closet. 

There, in the open face of J esus, beholding as in a glass 

the glory of God, he is changed into the same image.' 
' Is not this Divine employment ? Brethren, do you flag 

in this pursuit? Do you sometimes find it irksome? 

Then seek Divine renewal.' 



VI. There was much uniformity in the discourses ; all solid 



494 



RECOLLECTIONS OF 



[App. No. V. 



truth, well wrought out. If the hearer felt a difference, he was 
sensible it was in himself, not in his minister. 

VII. Much might be added on the calm, dignified mode 
of delivery, and the good taste exhibited in the expressions. 
The Word of God was never heard to be called by any other 
name than that, or the Scriptures. Even the word ' Bible' 
seemed to fall short of the reverence, which the mind was ready 
to pay to this precious revelation of the will of God. And 
these things are of importance. Do not those who deal most 
closely and really with Divine things, speak of them in terms 
the most sacred and refined ? And this personal association 
with Divine realities produced the effect of an i unction' which 
was manifest. ' Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and 
ye know all things,' was a text often applied by this pastor to 
the flock of Christ ; and they who heard him felt the same was 
true of their pastor. 

VIII. There was an interesting mode of exhibiting Scrip- 
ture characters. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, Peter, 
Jonah, — all seem to have been set forth by him with a touch 
that was his own, and thus rendered familiar and dear as if they 
were our brethren, — our well-known friends. 

' Beneath all St. Peter's apparent self-abhorrence there 
lurked much unmortified self-complacency.' 

' The Apostle was left to himself, to humble the man ; was 
recovered, to exalt the Saviour.' 

' Brethren, all sin is unnatural to that state into which grace 
brings the regenerate soul.' 

' Well did Peter learn the lesson, Be sober, be sober.' 

1 There is no encouragement to sin in the history of such 
characters as Jonah and Samson : the one an example 
of the sins of the flesh, the other of the sins of the spirit.' 
{ Had Jonah been a hypocrite, we should not have been 
so much surprised. How soon he forgets his vows. 
How his besetting sin returns upon him. The filthiness 



Apr. No. V.] 



MR. PRATT'S MINISTRY. 



495 



of the spirit is far more dangerous than even that of the 
flesh.' 

' The little maid was as much appointed to tell Naaman of 
Elisha, as Elisha was appointed to cure Naaman. The 
parents of this maid would doubtless have rejoiced had 
they known what good she was raised up to do/ 

IX. There was an interesting application of Divine Truth 
to the various relations of life, and to providential events ; and 
there were cheering views of the future days of the Church of 
Christ. Each opening year had its address to heads of families, 
to children, to females, to friends, to married, unmarried, to 
servants. 

The following extracts may illustrate these points : — 

1. Micah vi. 9, The voice of the Lord crieth in the city; a 
Sermon on the state of our beloved country, 2nd Jan. 1831. 
The three national sins charged upon Israel, chargeable 
upon us, viz. : — 

1 National Ingratitude, see verses 3, 4, 5. 



' Without national piety we cannot expect national blessing. 
If we are not humble believers, we are wicked Achans. 
The balance seems at this moment to be trembling in 
the scale, whether the prayers and intercessions of the 
righteous, offered by an Almighty Intercessor, shall avail 
to avert the threatened judgment; or whether, like the 
intercession of Abraham of old, they fail from the amount 
of ungodliness prevailing.' 
2. The coming of Christ in the kingdom of grace ! 

'Valleys of all that is mean, low, and sensual, exalted. 
Mountains of proud thoughts brought into subjection to 
the obedience of Christ. Rough and tortuous paths of 
prejudice and habit straightened and made smooth. The 
signs of the times argue its near approach. Diffusion of 
useful knowledge; reformation of religion; revival of 



Ignorance, 
Injustice, 



6, 7, 8. 
10,11,12. 



496 



RECOLLECTIONS OF 



[App. No. V. 



learning ; sound principles of practical liberty ; colonial 
power j co-operation of foreign powers 3 rise of useful 
institutions/ 
3. On female duties. 

' Take the characters of holy women as found in the Scrip- 
tures. As a wife, imitate Sarah ; as a persecuted woman, 
look at Hannah ; as a friend of the poor, look at Tabitha ; 
as a devout Christian, look at the Virgin Mary, who 
though she was once repulsed for intruding her own 
feelings, nevertheless returned to that pious pondering in 
her heart of the doctrines and teaching of her blessed 
Son ; as a helper of the Church, look at Phoebe ; as an 
aged woman, look at Anna. Whence all this? — We are 
created in Christ Jesus unto good works. There is an 
expression in our Communion Service which seems to 
carry, further than is usually conceived, the idea of that 
course of good works which is appointed for the Christian. 
It occurs in the prayer of the Post Communion, "And 
we most humbly beseech Thee, O Heavenly Father, so 
to assist us with Thy grace, that we may continue in that 
holy fellowship, and do all such good works as Thou hast 
prepared for us to walk in." As if it would refer to those 
duties which are connected with our respective situations 
in life. It is our duty diligently to inquire for and 
faithfully to fulfil those duties peculiar to our providential 
circumstances ; in so doing, you will find sufficient to 
employ your head and heart and hand from morning to 
night. If you are at all conscious of listlessness, or find 
time tedious, you may be quite sure that your heart is 
not right in the sight of God/ 



And now, to conclude this very incompetent Memorial, two 
Memoranda of Sermons shall be given, which may afford a 
specimen of their general character. 

" i Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed 
on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.' Isa. xxvi. 3. 



App. No. V.] 



MR. PRATT'S MINISTRY. 



497 



" There is in Jeremiah xvii. 5, 6, a striking passage to 
illustrate the one before us, ' Cursed be the man who maketh 
flesh his arm,' &c. ' Blessed is the man that trusteth in the 
Lord.' This is the testimony of God's Word from beginning 
to end. The purposes and promises of God toward His Church 
are constantly unfolding. The chapter is the Prophet's song 
of praise, in contemplation of the final triumph of the Church 
over the world. Babylon was the old enemy of the Jewish 
nation : what we read concerning it is still highly interesting ; — 
there she lies, desolate and ruined, a type and pledge that the 
New Testament Babylon shall in like manner come to nought. 
Observe — ■ 

I. The character of those spoken of, They stay upon God. 
II. Their privilege ----- Perfect peace. 
III. Their duty - To trust. 

This staying upon God is a brief delineation of the Christian 
character ; his thoughts, imaginations, every plan which his 
heart suggests, in all these he stays upon God ; all centres in 
Him. There are certain marks of staying upon God. 1. With 
the understanding ; an intelligent recognition of what God is, 
and what we are. (Exhortation to those who call upon God 
in sickness and danger, in a blind ignorant dependence, not 
knowing themselves nor Him. Many such call and are not 
heard. Prov. i.) The Christian stays upon God as a humble 
penitent. 2. With sincerity (Isa. xlviii. ; 1. 12.) we must kneel 
to obtain this spirit. 3. With entireness. A turning away 
from the creature. The creature is at hand ; the friend — the 
minister. Sense sees the creature. Faith uses the creature 
only as an instrument to lead to God. (Isa. xxxi.) Woe to 
them that go down to Egypt. Egypt might help if God 
pleased ; but such helps are mean in themselves. It is with 
unfeigned simplicity that we must trust. There must be no 
evil heart of unbelief in departing. It must be a sincere return. 

K K 



498 



RECOLLECTIONS OF 



[App. No. V. 



Hosea xiv. is a true picture of this sincere, discerning, undivided 
staying upon God. 4. It must be with faith. All the attri- 
butes of God are engaged on our behalf; what the Divine 
wisdom sees fit, Divine love is ready to bestow by the working 
of Divine power. In all His ways such an one acknowledges 
God. His dangers and afflictions drive him closer to his God. 
(Ps. lvi. 1.) He lays his most secret inmost soul before God. 
God grant we may know more of this character. 

"II. The privilege. Peace, peace, (in Hebrew, intensity 
by reduplication,) all possible peace. What a true believer 
may need at any time. Peace here, peace there, peace now, 
and peace for ever. For his personal comfort he shall have 
peace ; with his brethren, peace ; with the world around, 
peace ; in doubt of mind, peace ; peace in the soul. Conscious 
guilt disquiets the mind till God speaks pardon. This is His 
own prerogative, ( I create peace (Isa. lvii. 19 ; Heb. xiii.) 
Peace around, in the circle closest round, and in the next to it. 
(Rom. xii.) If it be possible, live peaceably with all men ; 
peace with fellow-Christians, peace as to the world. Jesus is 
the Prince of Peace ; the Christian leaves all to Him. He 
rests upon Him : f O how shall I weather the storm ; how 
shall I pass through the deep waters ?' His God is with him. 
(Isa. xliii. 2.) His hand upholdeth him. With St. Paul he 
says, ' I know in whom I have believed, and I am persuaded 
that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him. 
There is an inheritance incorruptible, undeflled. He is faithful 
that promised.' As he commits personal concerns to God, so 
also those of his soul. This offers no encouragement to a 
heedless walk ; we must commit our souls in well doing » All 
this privilege is holy; it is only as the Christian cleaves to 
God that he knows this peace. Ps. lxxxv. ' I will hear what 
God the Lord will speak. He will speak peace unto His people, 
that they turn not again to folly.' Ps. Ixxxix. { If my children 
forsake my law,' &c, 4 1 will visit their transgressions with a 
rod.' We are kept by a continual act of Divine power ; by the 



Arp. No. V.] 



MR. PRATT'S MINISTRY. 



499 



power of the Holy Spirit calming the perturbations of the soul. 
The Spirit of Peace speaks peace among brethren. The Holy 
Spirit restores and renews. The Lord God is a sun and 
shield, to revive and cheer, to protect and defend. There are 
numberless causes of distress which press upon the soul ; the 
Holy Spirit assures the heart under these, by assuring it of the 
Divine wisdom and love, by bringing home the assurance that 
not a hair of his head shall perish, by shewing him that all 
things work together for good to them that love God. See 
Aaron, e He held his peace ;' and Ps. xxxix. ' I was dumb,' &c. 
This peace is continued to believers in the exercise of faith ; 
not for the merit of faith ; there is no merit in faith, it is the 
gift of God ; yet certain blessings are promised in connection 
with lively actings of faith. 2 Chron. xiii. 12. 14; xiv. 11. 
Ps. lxxiv. 12—' O Lord God of hosts, blessed is the man that 
trusteth in Thee.' " 

" III. The duty enjoined. To trust in the Lord. What is 
the miserable state of that man who does not trust ? Almighty 
strength is engaged against him. Without this dependence 
men are driven to extremities leading to everlasting burnings. 
* * * * f As a hen gathereth her chickens, so would I 
gather you.' It is His own invitation and command, Tell me 
your state, and I will give you a promise ; nay, further, tell me 
your state, and I will give you a command. Every promise is 
a gracious command. Trust in the Lord at all times ; let no 
time weaken or limit this trust. This trust is founded on 
Almighty strength. He can deliver without means, with means, 
or contrary to means. The weakness or power of enemies has 
nothing to do with it," 

"Fragments of another Sermon from memory. 

" ' The Spirit helpeth our infirmities.' Rom. viii. 26. 

" There is one union above all unions, ' The God Man ;' 
J esus Christ, uniting in His own person the human nature with 
the Divine, becomes the object of adoration to angels and 



500 



RECOLLECTIONS OF 



[App. No. V. 



saints. The next most intimate union is that of the Holy 
Spirit with the heart of the believer. This gracious aid within 
us is the subject of the text. Hope, patience, and prayer sustain 
the life of the soul. If we set up idols in our hearts — and there 
are multitudes of such — we shall inevitably perish. The Spirit 
is the helper of the Christian. We are children in knowledge 
and grace. Even the father in Christ, in respect of what he 
will be, is a child. Our infirmities are beyond the reach of 
human help ; they are intended to send us to God in direct 
prayer. The heart of our High Priest is ever open, and his 
hand open to bestow. Christ's heart is on earth ; Christ is 
your gracious guest. What is the help afforded ? He puts us 
upon right petitions in a right spirit ; this is perfect prayer. 
The intercession of the Holy Spirit is as necessary as the 
mediation of Christ. What a mystery is here ! He strengthens 
faith ; He places the Word with power before the mind ; He 
quickens the affections ; He gives assurance of our interest in 
the Covenant ; He directs the judgment, inclines the will to 
acquiesce, and keeps down the ever-rising desires of evil. He 
awakens holy desires ; He kindles hope ; He works patience. 
Hope and patience mutually strengthen each other j ( Ye have 
need of patience.' He purifies the motives ; He assures the 
soul ; causes it to cry, Abba, Father, in earnest, realizing sense 
of danger ; and by His help, and support, and union, the soul 
in secret fervent prayer finds every petition running into praise! 
As to worldly concerns, in matter and in manner, the Spirit 
dictates, ' Guide me with thine eye.' As to the soul's concerns, 
all that is necessary for your usefulness on earth, or your pre- 
paration for heaven, will be granted ; but neither dictate the 
time nor the means. As to the manner of asking, how closely 
do our selfish motives cleave to us. Let us ask with a single 
eye to God's glory ; and then, and then only, do we ask aright. 
Study to have your conscience always well informed, and then 
without reluctance obey its dictates. The comforts of God 
never come to an unholy bosom." 



App. No. V.] 



MR. PRATT'S MINISTRY. 



501 



And now this beloved pastor rests from his earthly labours ; 
but his works follow him. His character is wrought out in 
that of many now living; the texts of his sermons, as they 
recur, revive the remembrance of his sentiments. And, thanks 
be to God ! his place is supplied ; for the good Shepherd still 
lives, and He never leaves His flock without a witness for 
Himself. It is thus He fulfils His own promise, 'Lo! I am 
with you alway, even unto the end of the world.' 

May this Memorial tend to gladden the hearts of devoted 
pastors, and to promote the strength of the bond which unites 
their flock to such, till all issue in a glorious union with Him 
who laid down His life for the sheep. 



PRINTED BY WILLIAM WATTS, CROWN COURT, TEMPLE BAR. 



Now published, price 2s. 6d. in roan, 3s. roan gilt edges, 

THE FORTY-NINTH THOUSAND 
OF A 

COLLECTION OF PSALMS AND HYMNS, 

containing Three Hundred and Fifty Portions of the Book of 
Psalms, selected from Various Versions ; and Six Hundred Hymns, 
adapted for Public Worship. 
BY THE LATE REV. JOSIAH PRATT, B.D. 

This Collection has been adopted in many Churches and Chapels, Forty- 
eight Thousand having been circulated since its first publication in 1829. 
An advantage is allowed to Parishes and Congregations on its first intro- 
duction. 



Also by the same, price 2s. 6d. bound in roan, 

A COLLECTION OF 

SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY HYMNS, 

Private, Family, and Social, collected from Various Authors, for 
the use of Christians in their different relations, circumstances, and 
states of mind. 



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